The 2023 MLB season kicked off on a bad note for Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader, as he had to shut down due to oblique issues. While Bader staged a strong comeback, another hamstring injury played spoilsport. At the time of the hamstring strain, the center fielder was in the midst of a hot streak.
Regardless, Harrison Bader witnessed a grave slump after returning from IL. While defensively, the center fielder has put his best foot forward, the lack of offensive numbers continues to be a persisting problem for Bader. Amid a hard slump, the New York Yankees took a bold decision regarding Bader’s future into the season.
Harrison Bader Benched Twice In Four Games, Aaron Boone Issues Clarification
The New York Yankees sit on the verge of a playoff elimination as their postseason hopes are diminishing at an alarming rate. Amid this, the club chose to bench impending free agent and outfielder Harrison Bader for the second time in less than a week. Bader was missing from the team’s lineup vs. Detroit Tigers on Monday, which marked his second absence in the last four games. The benching was a result of an offensive slump witnessed by the outfielder. In the last 14 games, he went 5-for-45 with a .300 OPS. However, the manager, Aaron Boone, issued a whole different explanation for the snub. He said that the team’s priority right now is the young guys who were called up recently, including Everson Pereira and Oswaldo Cabrera.
The Bombers want these prospects to garner as much game time as possible in the last stretch of the regular season. As a result, Harrison Bader has to sacrifice his spot. However, the center fielder is completely on board with the team’s plan. Aaron Boone informed him of the team’s decision on Monday morning, right before the game kicked off. Apparently, Bader is willing to do whatever’s in the best interest of the team. Having said that, these constant snubs are not good signs for the center fielder who remains on an expiring contract. So far, the Yanks have not extended any extension offer. This means the club might be willing to part ways with the outfielder in the upcoming free agency. They are showing early signs of the same by slowly pushing away Bader from their active plans.
What Is Harrison Bader’s Take On His Future With The Yankees?
Meanwhile, Harrison Bader spoke about his future in MLB for the first time this season. He remains an impending free agent with no active extension offer from his current team, the New York Yankees. While the center fielder put forth his desire to return to the Bronx, he also intends to compete for a winning team at the same time.
Harrison Bader added that he would love to continue donning the pinstripes. But the decision-making ability lies elsewhere. Right now, he wants to devote his focus to the Yankees and enjoy the time he has left. While he is well aware of his situation in the upcoming off-season, staying in the present is equally important.
