2022 Silver Slugger Award Winner Inks Deal with the Nationals
Entering his 10th MLB season, veteran switch-hitting power hitter Josh Bell entered free agency as an under-the-radar middle-of-the-lineup option for contenders looking to bolster their lineup and add another home run threat to their roster. After bouncing around between four different teams, the Padres, Guardians, Marlins, and Diamondbacks, over the past three seasons, Bell continued to showcase why he is such a valuable asset to a team’s run-scoring production. Now, Bell will look to continue his profound impact after agreeing to a free-agent contract with the Washington Nationals. According to Jon Heyman, the Nationals and Bell have agreed on a one-year deal worth six million dollars that will see him return to the nation's capital for the second time in his career.
The 32-year-old first baseman began his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being drafted in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft. After spending five seasons within the Pirates’ organization in the minor leagues and working his way up, Bell eventually made his MLB debut in the middle of the 2016 season at 23 years old. In his first full season in the majors a year later, Bell showcased his power-hitting abilities, breaking the National League record for most home runs by a rookie switch-hitter, finishing the season with 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 66 walks. As a result, Bell finished in the top three for NL Rookie of the Year voting. In his first five seasons with the Pirates, Bell's production peaked in the 2019 season, when he set career-highs in most categories, including 37 home runs, 116 RBIs, and a .277 batting average. Over his MLB career, Bell has accumulated 171 home runs, 613 RBIs, 520 walks, 874 strikeouts, and a .258 batting average.
Last season, Bell split time between the Marlins and Diamondbacks, where the 2019 all-star was a mainstay in the Marlins' lineup as one of their few power hitters. After being traded to the Diamondbacks at the MLB Trade Deadline in July, Bell continued to provide depth and offensive production, nearly leading Arizona back to the playoffs, though they ultimately missed out on the final NL Wild Card spot in 2024. Entering 2025, Bell's ability to switch hit and his versatility on the field, playing either first base or DH, offer immense value to clubs looking for flexible options throughout a long season. With Bell joining the Nationals, they can expect him to remain a reliable offensive threat, a versatile infielder, and a veteran presence as they chase a World Series title next season.
