Free Agent Profile: Josh Bell, 1B
JOSH BELL, 1B
Position: 1B, B/T: S/R
Age: 32 (08/14/1992)
2024 Traditional Stats: 603 PA, .249/.319/.405/.725, 134 H, 19 HR, 71 RBI
2024 Advanced Stats: 101 wRC+, 19.9 SO%, 8.5 BB%, .286 BABIP, .315 xwOBA, -0.1 fWAR, -9 OAA
RUNDOWN
Josh Bell, a once highly-touted prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has become a journeyman, finishing the 2024 season on his sixth big-league team in eight years.
Bell has always been known for his power. He hit 37 home runs for the Pirates in 2019, earning his first and only All-Star appearance. However, after a disappointing 2020 season, Bell’s performance dropped off. Traded to the Nationals after that year, he found his groove again, posting a .800+ OPS in 2021 and 2022 with Washington. But with his contract nearing its end, Bell was traded again at the 2022 deadline, this time to the Padres. There, he struggled mightily with a .587 OPS.
Bell entered free agency following his short stint in San Diego and has since played for the Guardians, Marlins, and Diamondbacks. Over the past two years, he’s hit 41 home runs and posted an OPS hovering between .720 and .740.
The 2024 season, however, was a step back for Bell. While his batting run value improved to the 64th percentile, his xwOBA, xBA (.239), and xSLG (.396) all fell below the league average for the first time since 2020. His average exit velocity was also a career-low (88.9 mph). Defensively, Bell’s metrics remained weak, with negative marks in DRS and OAA. That said, his squared-up percentage was elite at 27.2% of contact, which remains his biggest selling point.
Bell’s sprint speed is below average, and he doesn’t bring much to the table defensively. However, he has a limited injury history and has played 140+ games every season since his debut. As a switch-hitter, Bell remains a threat against left-handed pitching and could be a valuable DH or platoon option for a team searching for power.
CONTRACT
Bell’s most recent contract came in 2022 from the Cleveland Guardians, a two-year, $33 million deal. While Bell hasn’t returned to the elite level of 2019, he’s remained consistent. Given his age and recent performance, he will likely sign another deal in the two to three-year range at $10-12 million per year.
RECOMMENDATION
The Mets don’t seem like a strong fit for Bell. It feels as if the team is keeping first base warm for Pete Alonso. However, if he doesn’t return to Queens, Mark Vientos seems poised to take over. The Mets’ future strategy will likely focus on big contracts like Alonso and Juan Soto, which makes Bell an unlikely addition.
If they somehow miss out on both, the Mets would turn to someone like Christian Walker before turning to Bell.
Still, he could be a solid option for a team looking for a reliable platoon bat or DH.
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