The San Francisco Giants have added a new piece to their outfield that could help elevate the team, especially as they prepare to compete directly against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the highly competitive National League West.
That challenge is serving as motivation for Harrison Bader, who, according to multiple reports, has agreed to leave the Philadelphia Phillies and join the Giants in the Bay Area. The move means Bader will experience firsthand one of MLB’s most historic rivalries.
Although the signing has not yet been made official, reports indicate Bader agreed to a two-year, $20.5 million contract. The Giants are counting on him to significantly improve an outfield defense that ranked among the weakest in Major League Baseball last season.
Harrison Bader is ready to challenge the Dodgers
Bader appeared on The Max Mannis Pod to discuss his arrival with the San Francisco Giants, where he openly expressed his excitement about facing the Dodgers within the division.
“It’s certainly going to take a team effort to win those games, but just being able to compete at the level is going to be awesome,” Bader said. “I love playing in LA. I love playing against the best in the world. They certainly have a bunch of those. And it’s a challenge when it comes because it’s coming in hot in April. So, I’m going to do my part, play my game and do my best to help my team win.”
Bader posted 13 Defensive Runs Saved last season while playing for two teams, confirming his reputation as a strong defensive outfielder. Still, the Giants are also hoping for consistency with his bat.
Over his MLB career, Bader owns a slash line of .247/.313/.401, with 88 home runs and 322 RBIs. During the 2025 season, he played 146 games between the Minnesota Twins and the Phillies, hitting .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs. From a power standpoint, it was his best season since 2021.
When will the Dodgers and Giants play in 2026?
The Giants will face the Dodgers for the first time in the season in April, with a series at Oracle Park from April 21-23. Later, Harrison Bader will experience his first Giants-Dodgers showdown in Los Angeles, with a four-game series at Dodger Stadium from May 11-14.
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