4 teams that could trade for Josh Bell at the deadline

[Kevin Barral]

Josh Bell's 2024 struggles make it likely he will stick with the Marlins through the trade deadline, but could one of these contenders be desperate enough to give him a shot?

The Miami Marlins are busy leading up to the MLB trade deadline, trying to work out deals for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and many of their relievers. They are also shopping Josh Bell, their highest-paid player who is a pending free agent. However, Bell isn't performing anywhere close to his usual standards this season, slashing .228/.293/.358/.651 with 10 home runs, 42 RBIs and struggles on defense for a total of -0.8 fWAR.

That being said, Bell has a long major league track record of solid power and good plate discipline. He was a big factor helping the Marlins reach the postseason in 2023 (.270/.338/.480/.818, 11 HR, 26 RBI in 53 G). If Miami eats almost everything that's left of his $16.5M salary, maybe there will be interest in the veteran switch-hitter as a part-time player? Packaging Bell with one of their relievers could be a creative possibility.

If dealt, this would mark the third straight trade deadline that Bell has changed teams. In 2022, he went from Washington to San Diego in the Juan Soto trade, and then last year, he moved from Cleveland to Miami. Being familiar with the process could put him in a position to be successful in a new environment right away.

 

The Kansas City Royals stand out as a realistic landing spot. They have already shown that they are buyers and could go after additional relievers like Tanner Scott or A.J. Puk to help a bullpen that ranks 25th in baseball according to fWAR. Bringing over Bell in the same deal would gave them a new designated hitter option. So far in 2024, the DH spot has been a revolving door with Nelson Velázquez leading the team with 38 starts there. Velázquez was sent down to the minors a month ago.

Recently, the Seattle Mariners placed Ty France on waivers. They recalled prospect Tyler Locklear to play first base for the time being. New injuries to Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford make them even more desperate for offense. If the Mariners don't want to surrender the big prospect package it would take to bring in Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bell could be had for a fraction of the price. The Mariners have by far the worst strikeout rate in MLB this season, while Bell ranks in the 56th percentile among qualified hitters, per Baseball Savant.

It's not as clear if the Cincinnati Reds will be buyers, but they could use help at both first base and DH: their 69 wRC+ from those positions combined ranks last in MLB. Bell has a career .855 OPS at their hitter-friendly ballpark and hit home runs from both sides of the plate in a game against Cincinnati last year. Also, he is very familiar with the National League Central in general having begun his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Another interesting fit would be the Boston Red Sox, who are firmly in the AL Wild Card race. Tristan Casas has dealt with setbacks in his recovery from a rib strain and it's unclear when he'll be ready to play. The Red Sox have Dominic Smith at first base and Masataka Yoshida at DH against right-handed pitching, but there's room for Bell to contribute vs. lefties (93 wRC+ vs. LHP this season).

View full article

[THOMAS JOSEPH]

It's good for him to go to work on a longer contract wherever it is - not happening with Miami, we know.