Mar 8, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader (22) looks on against the St. Louis Cardinals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
It’s always sad to see a player from your favorite team move on to a new club. It makes it a little better when the player is failing.
Trades and free agency bring about lots of changes. Even a player from your favorite team can change clubs and don an unsavory team jersey.
While the St. Louis Cardinals are not always active in the trade market, they did make some moves at the trade deadline last season that shocked many. They weren’t very active in the free agent market either and let some move on from the birds on the bat.
Here is a glance at some former Cardinals who are not doing well with their new team.
4. Harrison Bader has struggled to stay healthy for the Yankees
In a move that shocked many, the Cardinals traded their talented, fan-favorite center-fielder at the trade deadline in 2022. Bader had been on the injured list for several weeks with a foot issue but was expected back soon. It was hoped he could bring back his top defensive and a jolt for the line-up.
Instead, pitching became a massive issue for the Cardinals, and the team traded Bader for lefty pitcher Jordan Montgomery. While Bader remained on the injured list late into the season, Montgomery became a pivotal starting rotation member. Montgomery went 6-3 for the Cardinals, throwing 63.2 innings and 61 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.11. He even threw a complete game shutout.
While Bader debuted late in the season for the Yankees, he made an impact. He knocked five home runs in the postseason for the Yankees, contributing six RBI.
Unfortunately, Bader has started on the injured list this season with an oblique strain. He’s expected to go to the Yankees Double-A affiliate to complete a rehabilitation assignment. Meanwhile, back in the Bronx, the Yankees struggle to maintain a healthy outfield, even having Isiah Kiner-Falefa play centerfield. Without risking further injury, the Yankees could use a return from Bader. The sooner, the better.
After this season, Bader becomes a free agent at the end of his two-year, $10.4 million contract. The Yankees hope to have Bader back to contribute his elite defense to a struggling outfield. The more significant the impact, the better his chances of cashing in on a big free-agent deal.
He is a great defender with an electric personality. It will be nice to see that back in the fold for baseball. The Yankees need him back to get some consistency and help for Aaron Judge in the outfield, as Giancarlo Stanton has hit the injured list.