Ex-Cardinals Outfielder Shining In Major Way For Yankees; Did St. Louis Make Mistake?

Did the Cardinals make a mistake trading the outfielder?

One former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder is shining right now but for another team. 

Former Cardinals outfielder Harrison Bader spent the first five full seasons of his career with St. Louis before being traded to the New York Yankees last season in exchange for pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Bader appeared in just 14 games for New York in 2022 and slashed .217/.245/.283 to go along with three doubles and nine RBIs.

He's taken his play to another level so far this season, although in a small sample size. Bader began the 2023 season on the injured list due to an oblique injury but returned to action on May 2 and has impressed ever since. The 28-year-old has slashed .333/.378/.643 in 13 games to go along with three home runs and 11 RBIs. 

Bader is expected to be the Yankees' everyday center fielder and if he can maintain this level of play, it certainly will be helpful for New York. The 28-year-old has been one of the team's best hitters over the last 10 games with a slash line of .371/.421/.743 and eye-popping OPS of 1.164.

Although Bader has been extremely impressive for the Yankees so far this season, the Cardinals' trade made perfect sense. St. Louis already has a logjam in the outfield to the point where the club optioned top prospect Jordan Walker down to the minor leagues, despite an impressive start to the season. The Cardinals have a clear need in the starting rotation and Montgomery fit the description last season. 

The Cardinals still could use another hurler, but the trade was a win-win for St. Louis and New York. Hopefully, Bader can continue to impress and Montgomery can shine for the Cardinals.

More MLB: Cardinals Star Heating Up In Major Way; Could Season Finally Be Turning Around?