By now, most people know that Aaron Judge is the heart and soul of the New York Yankees.
When it plays, the offense has star potential and when it doesn’t, the unit struggles to score even two runs in a game.
Sometimes it’s as simple as that: teams just aren’t that good when they lose their star player.
However, the Yankees have another underrated player who gives the team a major leap forward: outfielder Harrison Bader.
Like Judge, Bader has had two separate stints on the disabled list with different ailments.
And, just like when Judge isn’t around, the team is much worse off without its center fielder.
“We talked a lot about the Yankees’ record without Aaron Judge. But here’s a different stat to consider this weekend: Yanks are 24-9 this season when Harrison Bader plays,” Yankees 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 shows how good the Yankees can be under Bader.
The former St. Louis Cardinal might not be an offensive star, but he gives the Yankees 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 RBIs, and seven stolen bases.
Perhaps most importantly, it gives the pitching staff an elite center fielder who helps keep their ERA down.
The ability to get on base might be his only flaw as a player, but the Yankees will gladly accept the whole package.
As long as he plays, they’ll be a better team.
NEXT:
Yankees Insider Confirms Aaron Judge’s All-Star Game Status
