Yankees
Harrison Bader makes a spectacular play in center field during the Yankees’ 7-5 win over the Red Sox. N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg

The New York Yankees traded center fielder Harrison Bader from the St.Louis Cardinals back in 2022. While they had to part with pitcher Jordan Montgomery, Bader’s inclusion was seen as a major upside. And to be fair, the center-fielder did his part to make space in the Bronx and amongst the club’s passionate fanbase.

However, the 2023 season proved to be nothing short of a disaster not only for the New York Yankees but also for Harrison Bader. The center fielder largely struggled with his health, and inconsistencies only added to his misery. It reached a point where Yanks had to part with him mid-season. However, now that Bader has found a home elsewhere, his claims have riled up the fans, to say the least.

   

Harrison Bader Says He 100% Imagined Himself As A Met!

Yankees
New York Yankees’ Harrison Bader (22) reacts after hitting a fly ball for an out against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 24, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)(APMedia)

Amid a lack of offensive production, New York Yankees put Harrison Bader on waivers mid-season in 2022. He was then claimed by the Cincinnati Reds and entered free agency this off-season. While the Yanks mulled a reunion, city rivals New York Mets staked a claim as they signed him in a one-year deal worth $10 million. Meanwhile, in his introductory press conference, Bader said that he 100% imagined himself as a Met even while he was on the Yanks. Apparently, some of Bader’s family members are Met fans. Thus, he claims he holds an inner connection. However, the center fielder’s recent comments riled up the Yankee fans to the core.

It’s because of the emotional drama Harrison Bader pulled off while leaving the organization last year. After being put on waivers, Bader reckoned how he had always dreamt of being a Yankee, and to don the pinstripes had been his biggest honor and achievement. Not only that, the center fielder added that he would give anything to be a part of the Bronx Bombers again in the future. He it requires him to play for free, Bader was even up for it. However, ever since Bader moved across the subway, he has had a sudden change of heart. Needless to say, the fans didn’t take the comments that well and blasted Bader for his dubious stand. Having said that, Harrison Bader’s recent comments could serve as fuel for the already intense rivalry between the Mets and the Yanks.

Luis Severino Wanted To Die As A Yankees Player?

Luis Severino
Luis Severino claps after pitching seven shutout innings. via Twitter NYY

Meanwhile, Luis Severino was another former Yankee who made his way to the Mets this off-season. The city rivals secured the pitcher’s services in a one-year $13 million deal. Having said that, in his introductory press conference, Severino expressed his profound love towards his previous organization, the New York Yankees.

Luis Severino said he thought he was going to die a Yankee as he didn’t imagine himself playing elsewhere. Regardless, he is grateful for the opportunity and will always cherish his time in the Bronx. But now that he has moved across the subway, the pitcher remains keen on rebuilding his career in MLB from scratch. While it won’t be an easy ride, Severino is ready for the big challenge.