At the height of the race for a playoff spot, the Cincinnati Reds have made great progress in 2023.
No one expected to see them fight so hard to extend their season, with so much determination and results.
Newly arrived in Ohio, outfielder Harrison Bader also did not expect to play inspired baseball at this time of year.
Remember that the native of Bonxville, in New York State, was placed on waivers by the Yankees, who wanted to free up a few dollars ($5.2 million) on their payroll and also make room for phenomenon Jasson Dominguez. The latter was doing remarkably well since his arrival in the Bronx before his injury, but Bader is not complaining about his fate, as he helps his new team find a place in the playoffs.
Bader, 29, is one of the very good outfielders in the Majors. A dynamic and confident player, he has still experienced some moments of worry since last year. In 2022, he moved from the Cardinals to the Yankees, in a trade that sent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery to St. Louis. He was one of the team’s best in the 2022 postseason, hitting five home runs in nine postseason games.
Starting the current season on the injured list, he was unable to make his mark and his statistics have been up and down since that time.
In Cincinnati, within a very energetic team, Bader can now play a leading role.
Amid a happy mix of young players and veterans, he finds himself in the ideal place for the type of player he represents.
Back in the American metropolis this weekend, to face the Mets, Bader says he is happy to see the possibility of playing baseball again in October.
If it happens that the Reds qualify for the real season and Bader obtains as much success as in the 2022 playoffs, the team’s management could boast of having got their hands on a player who performs when it counts. He’s not quite the modern-day Reggie Jackson yet, but his contribution can make a significant difference.
Right now, the Reds are tied with the Diamondbacks for the final playoff spot.
