Washington Nationals 1B Josh Bell
29-year-old Josh Bell has continued to look great for the Nationals, who are gearing up for a busy trade deadline season. Bell, a switch-hitter with a sharp eye at the plate and light-tower-power, tops the list of Nats players likely to be moved.
In 97 games this year, Bell, a free agent at season’s end, has 13 home runs, 51 RBI, a .302 batting average and an OPS+ of 153. He doesn’t strike out much (55 times) but draws a ton of walks (47) and has actually improved his defense at first base this year (-0.2 dWAR compared to as low as -1.8 in 2018).
Bell would be an excellent fit on a number of contending teams looking to add some pop to their lineup. He is a solid defender at first, can play some DH and can even get a little bit of playing time in the outfield corners in a pinch.
Other possibilities from WSH: DH Nelson Cruz, OF Juan Soto, RHP Kyle Finnegan
Potential fits: Brewers, Mets, Astros, Red Sox, White Sox
Chicago Cubs C Willson Contreras
After somewhat surprisingly not being included in last year’s Cubs teardown, Willson Contreras is just about 99.9% being dealt in the next week before this season’s trade deadline. The longtime Cubs backstop is reportedly preparing himself to be moved and, to the surprise of nobody, has a long list of potential suitors at this year’s trade deadline.
At 30 years old and playing on an expiring contract, Contreras would be an immediate upgrade behind the plate for virtually any team with playoff aspirations this year. Coming off of his third-career All-Star Game appearance, Contreras has 14 home runs in 81 games for the Cubbies this year to go along with an OPS+ of 137.
On defense, Contreras has never been the sharpest defender but his numbers have regressed behind the plate in 2022. There has been some newly reported rumors that an acquiring team may look to move him off of catcher down the stretch, perhaps to first base or even left field, where he actually does have some experience in the past.
Potential fits: Astros, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rays