The Philadelphia Phillies have enjoyed a surge in the standings since the trade deadline and hold an 11-game lead in the National League East after sweeping the New York Mets.

The Phillies can thank a successful trade deadline for their recent success. The addition of shutdown closer Jhoan Duran has turned their bullpen from a weakness into a roster strength. And more surprisingly, outfield addition Harrison Bader has served as a sparkplug at the plate.

Since joining the Phillies, Bader is slashing .339/.403/.539 with 14 RBI in 35 games. It’s been a remarkable surge for a player with a career slash line of .247/.313/.403 and it’s been enough to virtually guarantee he will exit his contract at the end of the year.

“After back-to-back offseasons settling for a one-year deal, Bader should finally land a more significant payday this winter after he almost certainly declines his end of a $10 million mutual option,” Joel Reuter predicted for Bleacher Report. “Aside from his solid offensive numbers, he also has strong defensive metrics (6 DRS, 2 OAA) in center field.”

That combination should be enough to earn Bader a more substantial deal for next season and beyond. And the Phillies will have some big outfield decisions to make, casting doubt on the potential for a return.

The Phillies have right fielder Nick Castellanos under contract through next season and could look to trade him now that he has become a platoon option. Outfielder Max Kepler is also set to become a free agent, while Brandon Marsh and Weston Wilson could see their roles with the team grow next year.

Ultimately, the Phillies and Bader are focused on carrying their recent momentum into a deep playoff run. But at the end of that run, it seems Bader has earned himself an end to his short stint with the team with hopes for a larger contract ahead.