Phillies should consider trading for Josh Bell
Josh Bell has been involved in trades in each of the previous two seasons. The infielder represents the type of player that teams making a playoff push look to acquire at the trade deadline to improve their bench. The San Diego Padres acquired him from the Washington Nationals during the 2022 season, and the Marlins traded for him in a deal with the Cleveland Guardians last year.
Josh Bell gets things started today!
— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) April 13, 2024
Stream the action ➡️ https://t.co/xiivzabSiu & Bally Sports app#MLB | #marlinsbeisbol pic.twitter.com/ZZvXV81aX8
Acquiring Bell would make sense for the Phillies, particularly if first baseman Bryce Harper were to miss time with injuries. The native of Irving, Texas, has primarily played at first base or has been a designated hitter during his career. He could fill in for Harper or Kyle Schwarber if either needs a day off.
He would benefit from playing at Citizens Bank Park, a stadium that favors hitters. Last year with the Guardians, Bell had a .233/.318/.383 line and a .701 OPS. His slash line with the Marlins was .270/.338/.480 with an OPS of .818. He posted 74 RBI in 2023, including 26 in 53 games with Miami.
The first baseman totaled 22 home runs in 2023, he hit 11 for both the Guardians and Marlins. Bell's 11 home runs in 53 contests were an improvement over a shorter span of games compared to the same amount he had with Cleveland in 97 contests.
Bell hasn't done well in 2024, with a slash line of .200 /.300/.329 and an OPS of .629 in 19 games. He would be a rental player, as he will be an unrestricted free agent following the season, and shouldn't cost the Phillies much. While the season is just three weeks old, perhaps a change of scenery to a club with hopes of making it to the postseason will improve his offensive production.