Insider confirms Mets potential interest in reunion with former outfielder

Several experts think the New York Mets bringing this beloved ex-player back via trade makes sense.

Jun 4, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader (12) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Athletics during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

 In a July 14 article, Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post noted that the New York Mets front office could potentially have interest in bringing Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader (who posted a .657 OPS and his 12 home in 143 games with the Mets in 2024) back to address their center field struggles before the July 31 trade deadline.

Read more: Mets trade proposal brings All-Star starter to New York for top prospects

"Maybe the Mets could seek a reunion with Harrison Bader," Sanchez wrote in the article, after noting that Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton made it clear that he would use his full no-trade clause if Minnesota tried to trade him this year.

Harrison Bader launches the third home run of the inning for the @Twins! pic.twitter.com/6Dc9vV09H2

— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2025

While Bader didn't produce a great season with the Mets, he has been considerably better this year and would certainly be an offensive upgrade in center field.

And it isn't just Sanchez who thinks a Bader, New York reunion could be in the cards, as MLB insider Ken Rosenthal shared a similar stance during a July 18 appearance on Foul Territory.

"[The Mets] can do some things too, and will," Rosenthal said of the trade deadline. "Bullpen, I would expeect, would be their primary area of focus. Yes, certainly they could use a starter, given the situation that they're in."

"And then they've also talked about center field. And maybe Harrison Bader, someone like that," Rosenthal said. "So I expect them to be active, as well."

Past ties to Queens aside, Bader (who is also a New York native) makes a lot of sense because he's a clear upgrade that wouldn't cost the Mets too much in terms of prospects. And David Stearns has shown that he's not willing to part ways with top prospects for shorter-term rentals.