(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
By now, most people know that Aaron Judge is the heart and soul of the New York Yankees.
When he plays, the offense has star-level potential and when he doesn’t, the unit struggles to score even two runs in a game.
Sometimes it’s as simple as that: teams just aren’t as good when they lose their star player.
However, the Yankees have another underrated performer that gives the team an important jump in quality: outfielder Harrison Bader.
Like Judge, Bader has had two separate stints on the injured list with different ailments.
And, like it happens when Judge is not around, the team is much worse without their center fielder.
“We talk a lot about the Yankees’ record without Aaron Judge. But here’s a different stat to consider this weekend: The Yanks are 24-9 this season when Harrison Bader plays,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
We talk a lot about the Yankees’ record without Aaron Judge. But here’s a different stat to consider this weekend:
The Yanks are 24-9 this season when Harrison Bader plays.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 30, 2023
A 24-9 record is excellent, and it shows how good the Yanks can be with Bader.
The former St. Louis Cardinal might not be an offensive star, but he gives the Yankees an above-average bat, power, and speed.
As of Friday afternoon, Bader is hitting .268/.295/.480 in 129 plate appearances.
He also has six home runs, 19 runs scored, 22 RBI, and seven stolen bases.
Perhaps more importantly, he gives the pitching staff an elite center fielder that helps keep their ERA down.
On-base ability could be his only shortcoming as a player, but the Yankees will gladly take the whole package.
As long as he plays, they will be a better team.
The post Yankees Insider Reveals Surprising Harrison Bader Stat appeared first on The Cold Wire.