“I Shouldn’t Have Left – Former Phillies Outfielder Quietly Regrets Exit as Phils Build Momentum Without Him”
Just months after his departure from the Philadelphia Phillies, veteran outfielder Harrison Bader is reportedly taking a quieter look back at his time in the City of Brotherly Love — wondering whether leaving the club so soon was the right call.
Bader, who joined the Phillies in a mid-season trade on July 31, 2025, quickly became a fan-favourite for his energy, defensive excellence, and timely contributions in the lineup. In 50 games with Philadelphia that season, he slashed .305/.361/.463 with five home runs and 16 RBIs, helping the team stay competitive down the stretch.
However, in the offseason Bader declined his $10 million mutual option for 2026 and became a free agent on November 4, 2025, opting to explore other opportunities rather than return to the Phillies’ roster.
Since his departure, the Phillies have continued to reshape their lineup and pitching staff, re-signing key pieces and adding new ones as part of their bid to remain World Series contenders. Meanwhile, sources close to Bader suggest he hasn’t stopped watching — particularly when highlights or scores involving the Phillies pop up.
“Harrison loved the fans and the clubhouse,” one insider told Philly Baseball Weekly. “He didn’t leave because he disliked it here — he left because it made sense for his career. But seeing the buzz around the team now… he catches himself thinking: Maybe I shouldn’t have left just yet.”
Reports from around the league describe the Phillies as energized going into 2026, with continuity in core pieces and fresh additions sparking optimism among fans and analysts alike. Despite this, many supporters still chant Bader’s name when they talk about his highlight catches and clutch plate appearances from last season.
Though Bader’s move into free agency was officially his choice, friends say there are moments — especially after a Phillies win or a big defensive play on TV — when he reflects on what he left behind.
For the Phillies, the next season is about building around a core that’s both experienced and hungry.
For Harrison Bader, it’s a new chapter — but one that still carries a quiet, lingering question:
“I shouldn’t have left.”
