BREAKING: Harrison Bader OPTS OUT of Philadelphia Phillies Deal | Will Dave Dombrowski PAY UP?

Harrison Bader opts out of his Philadelphia Phillies contract, but will the center fielder return to Citizens Bank Park? Connor Thomas breaks down why Bader's $3 million buyout made the decision a no-brainer and analyzes his true market value beyond the red-hot .305 finish that masked a career .247 batting average. The discussion examines why re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto should take priority over Bader, explores Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai as a potential $150 million target, and reveals why the Phillies' free agency timeline will likely differ from last year's slow December start. Thomas also previews the possibility of landing third baseman Munetaka Murakami and explains why the Phillies need to expand their international scouting footprint. Key topics include defensive metrics versus offensive production, the West Coast bias in Japanese player signings, and realistic expectations for when Dave Dombrowski will make his first move. Will the Phillies prioritize 56 home runs from Schwarber over clubhouse energy from Bader? Tune in for an honest evaluation of the Phillies' offseason priorities and a preview of the complete 2026 roster projection coming next episode. 0:00 Intro 0:30 Harrison Bader opts out of contract 2:02 Why Bader's opt-out was no-brainer 4:05 Should Phillies re-sign Harrison Bader? 7:08 Prioritizing Schwarber and Realmuto over Bader 10:12 Bader's chances of returning to Phillies 12:13 Could Phillies land first Japanese star? 14:15 Free agent focus: Tatsuya Imai profile 18:22 Imai's projected cost and contract details 21:25 Phillies need to expand international talent 23:28 When will Phillies make first move? 26:02 Expecting more aggressive early free agency 29:05 Tomorrow's show: Building the 2026 roster Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup . PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here : https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.