Mets’ Outfield Woes Highlight Missed Opportunity with Harrison Bader
The New York Mets entered the MLB trade deadline with a glaring need for outfield talent. In a move that many now question, they opted to acquire Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles, believing he would be the answer to their center field troubles. However, as the season has unfolded, it has become increasingly clear that the decision to overlook Harrison Bader, who was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, could haunt the Mets for years to come.
The Trade Deadline Dilemma
With limited options available, the Mets focused on Mullins, but other potential outfield solutions like Steven Kwan and Luis Robert Jr. remained put. Reports indicate that the Mets showed little to no interest in Bader, despite his effectiveness and the opportunity to reunite with him. This choice has proven to be a costly one.
Mullins vs. Bader: A Stark Contrast
Since joining the Mets, Mullins has struggled mightily. In 37 games, he has managed a disappointing .191 batting average and a .595 OPS, tallying only 21 hits, 16 runs, four doubles, one triple, two home runs, and nine RBIs. By contrast, Bader has thrived with the Phillies, making the most of his 41 games since the trade. He boasts an impressive .331 batting average, an .889 OPS, and has accumulated 47 hits, 26 runs, 10 doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 15 RBIs. Notably, Bader’s performance has translated into a 1.5 WAR, significantly outpacing Mullins’ 0.6 WAR.
A Rivalry Intensified
To add salt to the Mets’ wounds, Bader now plays for a division rival. His success against the Mets has been particularly painful for New York fans. With a staggering .528 batting average against the Mets this season, Bader has collected 19 hits in just 36 at-bats, leading to an eye-popping 1.342 OPS. His contributions helped the Phillies sweep the Mets in a crucial four-game series, solidifying Philadelphia’s position atop the NL East.
Reflecting on Past Decisions
While Mullins has provided some level of value for the Mets, the frustration surrounding the missed opportunity with Bader lingers. Last season, Bader played a role in the Mets’ postseason run, batting .236 with a .657 OPS. Although not stellar, his postseason performance may have been a factor in the Mets’ decision to pursue other options at the trade deadline.
The fallout from this decision mirrors other missteps the organization has made, reminiscent of the Ryan Helsley trade that also failed to yield the desired results. As the Mets approach the final stretch of the season, they find themselves in jeopardy of falling out of postseason contention, a grim reality underscored by their bleak outfield situation.
In a league where every move counts, the Mets’ inability to capitalize on Bader’s talent may serve as a cautionary tale for future trade decisions. The contrast in performance between Mullins and Bader has left fans and analysts alike questioning the rationale behind this pivotal trade deadline choice.
