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Josh Bell – the Washington Nationals quiet trade candidate

By David Hill

Sep 29, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell (19) in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell (19) in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals seem to be the forgotten team in the NL East. While other teams have been making moves, and the Braves won the World Series, the Nationals have signed Cesar Hernandez to a one year deal. Given their quiet offseason, and what promises to be a difficult division in 2022, it is easy to see why they would be overlooked.

But the Nationals could draw a great deal of attention if they decide to enter the trade market. In theory, they could add several “bad” contracts in an effort to improve their roster as they attempt to compete. At the same time, the Nationals could look to capitalize on the first base market by making Josh Bell avaliable.

Washington Nationals may need to make decision on Josh Bell

The Nationals had acquired Bell last offseason in the hope that he could provide protection for Juan Soto in their lineup. He did just that in a bounceback season, posting a solid .261/.347/.476 batting line in his 568 plate appearances, hitting 27 homers and 24 doubles.

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Considering how many teams need help at first base, and that there may not be enough options to fill those needs, the Nationals could get a respectable return for Bell. He may have just one year of team control left, and is expected to receive approximately $10 million in his final trek through arbitration, but he is still worth a look. For a team in need of a first baseman, and angling for a playoff berth in 2022, Bell could be worth the price.

But this also sends a message that the Nationals may not want to. Soto has indicated that he is not interested in discussing an extension with the franchise until they show that they are serious about contending. Trading Bell before the season could be another strike against the Nationals in his mind.

In the end, the Nationals need to determine what would be best for their future, whether or not that will include Soto. That path may include trading Bell, especially if those teams that miss out on the top free agents or lose the Matt Olson Sweepstakes, make an offer they cannot refuse.

Next. The Nationals 2022 dream lineup. dark

The Washington Nationals have been quiet during this offseason. That could change, especially if they decide to put Josh Bell on the trade block.

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