The New York Yankees do not need Josh Bell

In no galaxy, universe or multiverse is there room for Josh Bell on the New York Yankees roster.

According to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey, the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates have discussed Jameson Taillon and Josh Bell in a potential deal. Taillon is a good pitcher, having posted a 3.67 ERA and 112 ERA+ over the course of four seasons. I don’t mind the Yankees looking to acquire him. Bell is a different story.

I know what you’re thinking.

“Orso, you’re crazy. Bell had 37 homers and 116 RBI in 2019. Why wouldn’t the Yankees want him?”

A couple of reasons. Let’s start with the obvious. Where would he play?

Bell is a first baseman. The Yankees already have one in Luke Voit, who (in case you forgot) led the majors with 22 homers this season. He was the only major leaguer to eclipse the 20 homer mark in 2020. And he accomplished all this while dealing with a foot injury.

However, I want to go deeper. It’s true Bell’s 37 homers and 116 RBI are much higher than Voit’s career-highs (22 homers in 2020, 62 RBI in 2019). But, let’s look at their numbers since the 2019 All-Star break.

Bell is slashing .229/.328/.396 with 18 homers, 54 RBI in 448 plate appearances.

Voit is slashing .258/.342/.516 with 26 homers, 64 RBI in 395 plate appearances.

There is no comparison. Voit is by far the better option. Also, here’s another way to look at it. Bell is a free agent after the 2022 season.  Voit is under club control through the 2024 season. There’s no reason to send prospects to Pittsburgh to acquire a first baseman whose statistics are less that of the current one.

Others may contend the following.

“Orso, just DH Bell.”

My answer? Alright. Where do you put the injury plagued Giancarlo Stanton? In the outfield? Where he can get hurt? If the Yankees had their way, they’d keep Stanton bubble wrapped all offseason to avoid injury. There’s no way Stanton sees any significant time in the field going forward. He is the DH.

“But, what about when Stanton is out of the lineup?”

Then Aaron Judge is going to DH. He, like Stanton, has a tough time dealing with injuries.

“What if we trade Voit?”

Seriously? Did you not read what I just wrote about Voit being the better option?

“But!”

No buts.  Bell is a decent ballplayer.  I wish him nothing but the best.  However, Bell is not the best player for the New York Yankees.  To put it another way, the Yankees need to focus all resources on re-signing DJ LeMahieu and acquiring a serviceable starter.

Last I checked, Josh Bell is neither.