Jim Bowden: Is Nationals first baseman Josh Bell 'the best way to upgrade the lineup?’
Bell would be an offensive upgrade at first base but he is a free agent at the end of the regular season
The MLB Trade Deadline is five weeks away and rumors will begin to swirl around players and teams across the league.
One player that could be available before the trade deadline is Nationals first baseman Josh Bell, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic. The 29-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season and is one of the Nationals prime trade candidates.
Bell has produced in his second season in Washington. The left-handed slugger is hitting .308 with 82 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs and 46 RBIs with a .882 OPS.
The addition of Bell would provide the Red Sox a massive upgrade of Franchy Cordero and Bobby Dalbec. In addition, if Chaim Bloom acquires Bell, either Cordero or Dalbec could be traded for bullpen help.
Bowden purposes that Boston trade right-hander Kutter Crawford and infield prospect Brainer Bonaci in exchange for Bell.
Crawford has seen time with Boston this season, including his one hit performance in Seattle back in June. On the season Crawford has pitched 10 games for the Red Sox. He owns a 1-2 record with a 6.41 ERA, 1.729 WHIP in 19 2/3 innings.
Crawford is an expendable piece if Boston wants to make this move. Bonaci is ranked as the team’s No. 25 prospect with SoxProspects.
Bowden wonders if the Red Sox should truly go after a player like Bell. He suggests that the Red Sox would be better suited to go after a player like Pirates Bryan Reynolds.
Bell would provide an upgrade at the plate and could slot down the bottom half of the line up. On the flip side, his defense is below average and offers no other versatility other than first base.
Cordero can play first base and the outfield. Dalbec can play first and third base and has been able to flex to other infield positions as needed.
If Red Sox fans want Bell, they’re mainly looking at his offensive game and not the whole package. Bloom would be better suited to find a player with positional versatility and offensive upside.
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