Bad News : Yankees Key Player Bids an Emotional Farewell Message to Fans After Signing a Deal With Arch-rivals Today…

signed former Padres right-handed pitcher Phil Maton. MLB insider Mark Feinsand first reported this deal between the free-agent pitcher and the Rays.The Florida-based team’s pitching staff needs some really good additions if they want to continue the good run from last season, as they had a 99-win regular season in 2023.

Bader showed up to say goodbye, then wait until 1 p.m., for his 48-hour waiver window to close.

Bader chatted it up with reporter fishing for information, did an interview with Suzyn Waldman for Yankees radio, another with Meredith Marakovits for TV and then hung around with Yankees player for a couple more hours.

Then just before the first pitch of the Yankees-Tigers’ game, Bader got the verdict:

The Reds claimed Bader off waivers, so he’s leaving a last-place team that is out of contention and looking to next season for a club that went into Thursday one game behind the Giants for the last NL wild-card spot.

“I’m just happy to go do it now in the Queen City,” Bader said. “I’m excited to see how it shakes out for it.”

Bader spoke for five minutes, then left the ballpark for the airport for a flight to Cincinnati.

“We’ve got a doubleheader tomorrow,” he said with a smile. “I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Bader leaves with mixed emotions. He’s excited to be joining a contender, but sad over leaving the Yankees.