Was Bader Better?

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    In 2022, the St. Louis Cardinals traded their centerfielder, Harrison Bader, to the New York Yankees for one of the Yankees starting pitchers, Jordan Montgomery. The Cardinals reportedly made this trade for multiple reasons. Firstly, the Cardinals felt as though Dylan Carlson was a better long-term option than Harrison Bader, so they could afford to trade away Bader and turn to the younger and cheaper Dylan Carlson. Secondly, the Cardinals' biggest question mark during the first half of the season was their starting pitching, so they felt as though trading for Montgomery would fix this problem; which it certainly did.

    While Harrison Bader was a fan favorite, he wasn't ownership's favorite when it came to deciding between Harrison Bader and Dylan Carlson. This decision was made easier following Bader's planter fasciitis injury that caused him to miss an extended period of time. During this time, Dylan Carlson showcased his abilities in centerfield and proved to be a defensive asset. Carlson's skill, age, and contract made it to where the Cardinals were more comfortable with letting Bader go. However, after seeing this trade play out, we can discuss whether or not the team made the right decision. 

    Following the trade, Harrison Bader missed a lot of time and just recently debuted for the Yankees. However, in the little time that Bader has been a Yankee, he is already making a large impact. He has already hit 3 pretty big home runs in the ALDS, and could still do more damage tonight against the Cleveland Guardians. If the Yankees can topple the Guardians, then they will be moving on and Bader will have even more chances to make the Cardinals wish that they would have held onto him. 

    While Bader was keeping the Yankees bench warm during his rehab, Dylan Carlson was keeping the Cardinals bench warm due to a lack of consistency at the plate. Carlson proved to have a solid glove in center, but he still needs to improve on the other side of the ball. However, there is still room for improvement as Carlson is only 23 (turning 24 on the 23rd of this month), and still has the chance to prove that he can live up to his high expectations. 

    It is hard to say that the Cardinals lost the trade, as the man they received, Jordan Montgomery, was rather dominant during his few months with the Cardinals, and the team still has him under contract for 2023. It is also hard to say that the Yankees lost the trade, seeing as Harrison Bader has been doing rather well for them, and he too has another year left on his deal. However, if Dylan Carlson cannot figure out his problems at the plate, then he may be the one who loses in this whole situation. Disappointing the fans and the front office, and making everyone wish they would have dealt Carlson rather than Bader. 

    For now, we just have to wait for our question to be answered, as only time will tell. 

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