Ex-Cardinals Star Claimed By Division Rival To Bolster Lineup For Playoff Run

A familiar opponent will be getting help from a former St. Louis player

With playoff hopes being dead for the St. Louis Cardinals, it seems the only contributions the team will have to this postseason are from former players.

As playoff contenders head into the final weeks of this season, teams will be looking to fill holes in their roster, and a division rival has picked up a former St. Louis star to improve their chances.

"The Cincinnati Reds claimed outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers from the New York Yankees," ESPN's Jeff Passan tweeted Thursday.

Bader started his career in St. Louis and spent six seasons with the ballclub until being traded to the Yankees in 2022 for pitcher Jordan Montgomery.

The 29-year-old center fielder hit .246, with 135 extra-base hits including 52 home runs, 168 RBIs, and a .729 OPS throughout his career in St. Louis.

The New York native has been hitting .240/.278/.365 with the Yankees this season but it appears his childhood favorite team doesn't need him right now.

The Reds are sitting at a 69-66 record and are only one game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in a tight National League Wild Card race and need all the help they can get to close the tight gap.

Adding Bader to the roster will give the Reds a reliable centerfielder who can consistently get hits -- a solid addition to a team that is fighting for a playoff spot.

Will the acquisition of the former St. Louis star prove to give the Reds that extra push they need to clinch a playoff spot? We'll find out in the final month of the season.

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