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MLB offseason: 7 bold predictions for what is to come in 2023

By Kevin Henry

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a hit against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in game one of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a hit against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in game one of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images) /
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Josh Bell, Padres, Astros
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 21: Josh Bell #24 of the San Diego Padres reacts during batting practice prior to game three of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on October 21, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Josh Bell will sign with the Astros

Houston needs to find an answer at first base with Yuli Gurriel and Trey Mancini no longer on the roster, and Josh Bell fits a need for the defending World Champions at the plate and in the field.

A switch hitter, Bell and the Astros were linked together several times during last season’s trade deadline, but he and Juan Soto were eventually sent from Washington to San Diego. The Astros won’t let Bell get away this offseason, and will bring the 30-year-old Texas native back to the Lone Star State to boost their lineup.

Don’t let Bell’s .192/.316/.271 slash line in San Diego after the trade fool you. He can provide plenty of pop for the Astros and fit in nicely in the middle of the lineup.

3. Willson Contreras will sign with the Cardinals

The former backstop for the Cubs will head to Chicago’s arch-rival and fill a need for the Cardinals at catcher.

With Yadier Molina retiring, St. Louis needs to find a face for the future behind the plate and that will happen with the 30-year-old Contreras becoming a Cardinal for the rest of his career.

St. Louis bowing out of the postseason early again in 2022 is putting pressure on the Cardinals to find a way to ensure they can not only repeat as division champions, but also be a force once meaningful October baseball arrives. Contreras adds to an already stacked St. Louis lineup and will be a drastic improvement over the OPS+ of 53 that Molina put together in 2022.

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