Harrison Bader wanted an opportunity to play and he wanted to be on a competitive team. That's why the outfielder took his time finding a home in free agency, and ultimately, why he ended up signing with the Minnesota Twins.

Harrison Bader’s earnings with the Minnesota Twins could increase by $1.5 million to $7.75 million if the former Gold Glove center fielder plays regularly this season

Alternatives to Bader There were other free agents with more offense-focused skill sets from the right side of the plate whom the Twins could have targeted. Austin Hays, Ramón Laureano, and Randal Grichuk signed for less than Bader and are true lefty mashers. But the Twins opted to go with the defensive profile, despite almost no offensive upside.

The Minnesota Twins officially announced on Friday that they have signed outfielder Harrison Bader for the upcoming 2025 season. The deal is for a guaranteed $4 million and features a $750,000 signing bonus.

Bader seems likely to fill the role that Manuel Margot had in 2024. Margot appeared in 129 games for the Twins last year, though he was only in the starting lineup for 70. He spent a bit of time in all three outfield positions,

Speed: He has consistently demonstrated above-average speed, contributing both in the outfield and on the base paths. Bader's sprint speed last year, at 28.2 ft/sec, would've ranked fourth among all Twins behind Byron Buxton, Michael Helman and Austin Martin.

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that outfielder Harrison Bader and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year contract.

The Twins signed veteran outfielder Harrison Bader to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million on Wednesday. Amid an offseason that hadn't seen any major league additions until reliever Danny Coulombe was signed on Tuesday,