Giants Excited About Bader's Energy and Defense

Posey and Minasian discuss how Bader and Lee will fit into the Giants' outfield plans.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco Giants' leadership expressed enthusiasm about the addition of outfielder Harrison Bader, highlighting his strong defensive skills and high-energy playing style. They also discussed plans for Jung Hoo Lee to shift to right field, with Bader taking over in center. The team believes the outfield defense will be much improved this season.

Why it matters

The Giants struggled with outfield defense last season, so the additions of Bader and the defensive improvements from Lee and Heliot Ramos are seen as key to the team's plans to win with pitching and defense in 2026.

The details

Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal with the Giants. He will be the primary center fielder, with Lee shifting to right field. The team's Papago facility will help Lee get acclimated to the dimensions of Oracle Park's right field. Posey and GM Zack Minasian are excited about Bader's energy and edge, which they believe will be a good fit for the Giants' clubhouse culture.

  • The Giants announced Bader's deal on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Spring training for the Giants opens the week of February 10, 2026.

The players

Buster Posey

The Giants' president of baseball operations, who discussed the team's plans for Bader and the outfield.

Harrison Bader

The new Giants outfielder, known for his strong defense and high-energy playing style.

Jung Hoo Lee

The Giants' right fielder, who will shift from center field to accommodate Bader.

Zack Minasian

The Giants' general manager, who also discussed the team's outfield plans.

Heliot Ramos

The Giants' left fielder, who has worked to improve his defense this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We think the defense in the outfield as a whole is going to be much better than what we've seen even probably the past couple years. We're so excited to get this group together and see what they can do.”

— Zack Minasian, Giants General Manager (sfchronicle.com)

“It's a definite plus. And I think energy can come in all shapes and sizes. Bader strikes me as a guy that loves to play the game, and that's definitely appealing when you think about a guy that you're going to trust to be the lead person in the outfield.”

— Buster Posey, Giants President of Baseball Operations (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Giants will continue to evaluate their roster and potential trades or free agent signings as they prepare for the start of spring training on February 10, 2026.

The takeaway

The Giants are banking on Bader's elite defense and high-energy playing style to help shore up their outfield and support their pitching-focused strategy, while also hoping that Lee and Ramos can make strides defensively to create a more well-rounded outfield group.