SF Giants have obvious target after trend of adding strong defensive outfielders

The SF Giants have had a clear theme to their minor acquisitions early in the offseason. They have added some strong outfield defenders and they can continue that theme by signing outfielder Harrison Bader who is known for being a strong defender.

Between claiming Justin Dean off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers and adding Joey Wiemer in a trade with the Miami Marlins for cash considerations, it seems obvious that the Giants are trying to add above-average defensive outfielders.

SF Giants have obvious free agent signing in Harrison Bader

It is no secret why this is a point of emphasis as the team struggled with outfield defense in 2025. Heliot Ramos was simply dreadful at times in left field and Jung Hoo Lee left a lot to be desired in center field.

Mike Yastrzemski was always a solid defender in right field and even after he was traded away Drew Gilbert provided solid defense in right, but the Giants need to start thinking about how they can improve as a whole with their outfield defense.

Dean and Wiemer seem like bench or platoon options at best, but the Giants could go out and add a guy who would be a sure starter for them.

Harrison Bader turned down his mutual contract option with the Philadelphia Phillies so he is now a free agent. He is coming off a great year in 2025 in which he spent time with both the Minnesota Twins and the Phillies.

In 146 games he slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 54 runs batted in. Not only that, but he graded out as a very solid defensive center fielder and has always had a reputation as a strong defender in the outfield, winning a Gold Glove back in 2021.

If the Giants were to sign him, they could either put him in right field or they could move Lee to right field and make Bader the center fielder. That could be perceived as a slight or embarrassment towards Lee, but it could make the outfield defense much stronger in 2026 which is an obvious need.

The question is whether the Giants would be willing to commit resources to someone like Bader who figures to command a multi-year deal worth more than $10 million per year. When pitching is such a high priority for the Giants this offseason, it is fair to wonder if they will put that high of a premium on their open spot in the outfield.

Maybe they will continue to make minor additions to try and upgrade the outfield defense, but if the Giants are serious about getting better defensively in the outfield then signing Bader makes almost too much sense.