![\"Harrison](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,w_3824,h_2151,x_0,y_20\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/inside_the_phillies\/01k22h7wwrzncvze56xe.jpg\")
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":93281,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-93271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n