Josh Bell has emerged as an All-Star with the National, and he’ll be a hot commodity at this year’s trade deadline:
When the New York Mets open their two-game series with the Houston Astros at Citi Field on Tuesday, it will mark the completion of the most difficult stretch on their schedule.
Despite that, the Mets will emerge from June with a winning record during the month and the best overall record in the National League.
The Mets lead the league in runs scored, averaging over five per game.
And yet, Sunday’s loss to the Miami Marlins had many fans frustrated by the back end of the team’s lineup.
The Mets’ 6 through 9 hitters, JD Davis, Eduardo Escobar, Luis Guillorme, and James McCann, combined for just 1 hit in 15 at-bats in what amounted to a one-run loss.
Escobar’s struggles have been well documented all season long. As have the struggles of the DH and catcher positions which have become dormant of any offensive production.
With that in mind, the Mets will surely be looking to add a bat as they enter a pennant race come September, and Josh Bell could be the perfect fit.
Bell, 30, is in his second year with the Nationals after spending the first five years of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Finishing 3rd in the 2017 NL Rookie of The Year voting, Bell was named to his first All-Star team in 2019, finishing the year with 37 home runs and 116 RBI.
Last year with the Nationals, Bell blasted 27 homers and drove in 88 runs for a last-place Nationals squad.
With the team now stripped to its’ bolts, Bell is one of the few bright spots in D.C.
This year, Bell is slashing .308/.390/.492 (.882 OPS) with 11 home runs and 46 RBI.
Meanwhile, the switch-hitting Bell has displayed a keen eye at the plate, drawing 34 walks compared to just 42 strikeouts in over 300 plate appearances.
With exit velocities consistently among the top in the league over the last few years, Bell has proven he not only can get on base at an elite clip but also hit the ball over the fence with the best of them.
The Mets’ approach of putting the ball in play and drawing walks has worked to produce one of the best offenses in the game this season.
With Bell, the Mets may just be able to add a player with a similar profile and the power to stake his claim on their designated hitter vacancy.
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