Josh Bell is heading again to Washington, because the New York Submit’s Jon Heyman stories that the primary baseman has signed a one-year, $6MM cope with the Nationals. Bell is represented by the Boras Company.
Since Nathaniel Lowe was simply acquired final week to be the Nats’ new on a regular basis first baseman, Bell doubtless now slots in because the first-choice designated hitter. Each the left-handed hitting Lowe and the switch-hitting Bell have fairly even profession splits, however Bell may step in at first base each occasionally when Washington faces a left-handed pitcher. Bell’s switch-hitting bat additionally brings a bit extra stability to a Nationals lineup that’s heavy on lefty swingers.
In a profession outlined by main cold and warm streaks, Bell’s earlier stint in D.C. stands out as maybe essentially the most constant stretch of his 9 MLB seasons. The Nationals acquired Bell from the Pirates through the 2020-21 offseason, and Bell proceeded to hit .278/.363/.483 with 41 homers over 1005 plate appearances from Opening Day 2021 till he was dealt to the Padres as a part of the Juan Soto blockbuster on the 2022 commerce deadline.
Sadly for Bell and the Padres, his bat went chilly after the deal, although his total offensive output was sufficient for him to earn NL Silver Slugger honors for the DH place. It additionally led to a two-year, $33MM contract with the Guardians that winter, however Bell didn’t hit significantly nicely in his first 4 months in Cleveland earlier than he was once more dealt on the deadline, which sparked one other scorching streak as he helped lead the Marlins to a playoff berth.
The sample continued eventually July’s deadline, as Bell once more discovered himself on the transfer from the Marlins to the Diamondbacks. Bell had hit solely .239/.305/.394 in 441 PA for Miami final yr, however his bat once more got here to life post-trade, as he hit .279/.361/.436 in 162 PA for an Arizona staff that had quickly misplaced beginning first baseman Christian Walker to the injured listing.
Extra to return…
