Why the Marlins placed Josh Bell on waivers

[Ely Sussman]

Josh Bell may have saved the best week of his Miami Marlins career for last. The veteran switch-hitter was placed on waivers Sunday afternoon, according to FanSided's Robert Murray (and confirmed by the New York Post's Jon Heyman).

Bell has been one of MLB's hottest hitters since returning from the All-Star break. Entering Sunday, he had mashed home runs in each of the last four games, raising his overall numbers within spitting distance of league average despite an awful first half of 2024.

The Marlins' highest-paid player this season, Bell is earning $16.5M. Approximately one-third of that ($5.5M) is still owed to him before he re-enters free agency in the winter. Being placed on waivers allows other teams the opportunity to pick up the tab and add him to their roster. That is doubtful to happen, though. Bell's .309 xwOBA is on pace to be the worst of his career over a full-length season, and he is a liability defensively and on the bases. Contending teams who need reinforcements at first base/DH would rather roll the dice on less expensive alternatives than claim him.

The timing of this decision is not coincidental. The waiver process lasts 48 hours, meaning Bell will pass through it with a few hours to spare prior to Tuesday's 6:00 p.m. ET trade deadline. In the meantime, the Marlins front office should consider trade scenarios that involve eating most or all of Bell's money in order to turn him into a positive asset.

If no trade comes to fruition, he can remain on the Marlins roster. Even then, I find it hard to believe that Bell finishes the 2024 season in Miami. Newly acquired prospect Agustín Ramírez, who plays both catcher and first base, could be major league ready by September. He's already on the 40-man roster. Reigning Marlins Minor League Player of the Year Troy Johnston is also with Triple-A Jacksonville. Call-up candidates at other positions are in play if the Marlins simply make Jake Burger their primary first baseman down the stretch.

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[Leo Armbrister]

Greg Cote's opinion column sums up the Marlins situation.If they think they can outsmart the other teams in baseball in evaluating talent and not spend any money they are smoking something. If you don't spend a reasonable amount of money you just can't compete. If you are willing to put out losinng teams with almost no all star worthy talent you are going to be in a constant state of low attendence and losing teams. I guess Sherman is fine with that but Marlins fans are getting tired of losing.

[Ely Sussman]

49 minutes ago, Leo Armbrister said:

Greg Cote's opinion column sums up the Marlins situation.

I found some parts of his column to be lazy and inaccurate, but yes, teams that spend in the bottom 25% on payroll simply do not win championships. At least under previous owners, the Marlins would occasionally exceed that. If Sherman is under the delusion that his front office can outsmart all the others, it will be a frustrating ride.