Rays can still pursue this former Yankee to help fill gap in outfield depth

The Rays outfield depth chart is extremely thin at the moment as it includes Jonny DeLuca, Josh Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Kameron Misner. Misner has accrued only 15 plate appearances in his eight major league games, while Mangum has yet to receive a call to the big leagues. Versatile players like Richie Palacios and Christopher Morel will certainly be able to fill some innings in the outfield in 2025, but this club still desperately needs clarity in these essential positions.

The free agency pool of outfielders has dwindled significantly and most of the remaining players are past their prime. Also, the Rays definitely can't afford the services of former Oriole, Anthony Santander or 2024 breakout star, Jurickson Profar. However, there is one particular familiar foe that the Rays may be able to negotiate with.

Rays could pursue former Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader via free agency

30-year old center fielder, Harrison Bader is still available through free agency for teams looking for a gritty bat and some dependable defense. The University of Florida Gator was drafted in the third round of the MLB draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. In Bader's junior year at UF, he slashed .297/.393/.566 with 17 home runs.

The New York native breezed through the St. Louis farm system as he made his debut only two years after he was drafted. With the Cardinals, the outfielder had a few impressive offensive showings. In 2018 and 2021, Bader hit better than .260 with over 10 home runs in each season. Those stats would play very well in an inexperienced Rays outfield with limited power potential.

Although, Bader has begun to take on more of a limited role in the outfield, as he has played for the Yankees, Reds, and Mets since leaving St. Louis. As a member of the Yankees in 2023, Bader was the primary center fielder ahead of Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Aaron Judge on the depth chart, and he had a respectable season before being claimed off of waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. The hard-working outfielder hit .240 with seven home runs in only 84 games with the Yankees.

Last season with the Mets, Harrison Bader made $10.5 million, but the free agent will likely have to take a pay cut this offseason and is projected to sign for around $7 million. The Rays front office should seriously consider this as a viable option that wouldn't break the bank.

It wouldn't be the first time the Rays acquired a former Yankees outfielder. You may recall Johnny Damon's 2011 year with the Rays after four seasons in pinstripes. The two-time All-Star hit .261 with 16 home runs that season. How great would it be if we could replicate that success with the talents of Harrison Bader?