Call to the pen
Fansided

Washington Nationals looking to make things right for Josh Bell fan

By David Hill

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning during game two of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning during game two of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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After the reaction of a Josh Bell fan went viral on Christmas, the Washington Nationals are looking to make things right.

One of the problems with Christmas Eve trades involves giving gifts to the fans. That was the case for one young Josh Bell fan, who received a Pirates jersey of the player on Christmas. However, Bell had been traded to the Washington Nationals the day before, making the gift obsolete before it was even opened.

Fortunately, the Nationals are here to make things right. They have offered to send that young fan a new Josh Bell jersey as soon as one is available.

It was a matter of time before Bell was traded. He had been a part of the rumor mill for weeks, listed as a possible option for the Yankees in a hypothetical Jameson Taillon deal. Instead, he was sent to Washington as part of a surprise Christmas Eve trade, with a pair of arms heading back to Pittsburgh.

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Bell is not exactly a given for the Nationals. He had exploded in 2019, appearing to be an emergent star as he produced a .277/.367/.569 batting line with 37 homers and 37 doubles in his 613 plate appearances. However, he struggled last season, posting a .226/.305/.364 batting line with eight homers and three doubles in 223 plate appearances.

Even with those struggles last year, Bell is the type of player that the Nationals need. If he can replicate his performance prior to 2020, he could solidify first base and provide plenty of protection for Juan Soto. He could even become the favorite player of a generation of Nationals fans.

But those concerns did not matter on Christmas. All that one fan knew is that they received a jersey of a favorite player who had been traded away. There was no time to replace the gift due to the timing of the deal.

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Fortunately, the Washington Nationals are looking to make things right. And maybe, they will pick up a new fan along the way.

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