Why Josh Bell is the ideal trade target for the Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers offense has been the cause of a lot of discontent in recent years. This year’s offense is inconsistent, frustrating and dependent on the long ball with low averages up and down the lineup. It's something the team should look to address ahead of the trade deadline.

One prime target is Nationals first baseman Josh Bell.

Bell would immediately slide into the middle of the Brewers’ order. He has played exclusively at first base this year but did play corner outfield spots last year. Regardless, Bell isn’t a great defender and that's not why the Brewers would be adding him. In addition, the club has the designated hitter role available to it now. That might cause Andrew McCutchen to play more in the field, but that wouldn't be as cumbersome with Bell adding a dynamic hitter to the lineup. He has a career 122 OPS+ and a 162-game average of 26 runs above replacement.

Bell, a switch hitter, has been fantastic at the plate in 2022. He is hitting .304/.386/.491 with 12 homers and 47 RBI. He has a 154 OPS+ and 3.1 WAR according to Baseball Reference. He also is hitting .276 with RISP.

Another positive with his .877 OPS is he doesn’t strike out a lot. Bell has struck out just 50 times while walking 40 times in 316 at-bats. He would bring an overall offensive mix of power, clutch hitting, discipline and low K rate, all things this Brewers team needs. Also, he hits well from both sides of the plate. He is hitting .289 with five homers in just 114 at-bats from the right side. From the left side Bell is hitting .312.