News Every Day | 30 June 2022, 23:00

Possible Trade Target: Josh Bell, 1B/DH

Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Position: First-base/Designated Hitter
Age: 29 (8/14/1992)
Traditional Stats: 75 G, .319/.402/.507, .909 OPS, 15 2B, 11 HR, 46 RBI

It has become more and more clear that aside from pitching one of the Mets’ biggest targets at the trading deadline should be a middle-of-the-order bat to slot in at designated hitter. The duo of J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith just aren’t getting the job done for this group.

Look for General Manager Billy Eppler and company to go out and add a big bat as the trade deadline approaches. While there aren’t many excitable names out there perhaps one that stands out the most is Nationals slugger Josh Bell.

The 29-year-old has settled in nicely in his second season in Washington and is putting together another solid year at the plate. Bell has appeared in every game this season and is building off his 2020 success.

The switch hitter is batting .319 and has a .909 OPS, 15 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, and 46 RBI on the campaign.

Bell has been more selective at the plate, cutting down on the strikeouts and drawing more walks. He has just seven more punchouts than walks and his career-low 13.4% strikeout percentage ranks in the 91st percentile in baseball.

Bell’s selective approach at the plate and his .402 on-base percentage would fit right in with this Mets lineup. This group just passes the baton and keeps the line moving, and that’s exactly what Bell has been doing all season long.

Bell would also provide the Mets with a bit of a boost against left-handed pitching, as he’s posted a .832 OPS against southpaws this season. He’s also been able to come through in the clutch with runners in scoring position, posting a .300 batting average in such situations.

While Bell’s power numbers have been down a bit this season, he does come with a track record having topped 25 home runs in three of his seven big leagues campaigns. Bell also cracked seven of his eleven home runs this past month, which could be a sign of good things to come in the power department.

Contract Status

Bell is destined to be traded as he is one of the rebuilding Nationals’ best and biggest pieces and is a free agent at the end of this season. With the lack of big bats on the market, there certainly will be some big-time competition for the talented 29-year-old slugger.

The fact that Bell is just a rental should bring down his price tag a bit. With that being said, the Mets may have to pay up a little for the Nationals to consider trading him within the National League East.

Either way, the Mets should strongly consider bringing in Bell to help round out this already strong Mets lineup. Bell’s patience at the plate and pop would fit perfectly into the middle of this Mets lineup. He could help lengthen this group and provide some protection for Pete Alonso.

Bell is definitely a name to keep an eye on as we draw closer and closer to the trading deadline.