Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sources tell me that the Mets have shown interest in Josh Bell as they hope to improve on the production from the designated hitter position before the August 2 trade deadline. Andy Martino of SNY recently reported that the Mets like Bell in addition to Trey Mancini from the Orioles, and C.J. Cron from the Rockies, and I previously reported that the Mets have talked to the Pirates about Daniel Vogelbach.
The Mets are making one thing clear, they’re not satisfied with what Dominic Smith and J.D. Davis have given them at DH. Bell will be a free agent after the 2022 season and is arguably the best rental bat that will be available. Make sure to check out our Trade Profile for Bell.
Bell, 29, is having a big-time season with a .311/.390/.504 with 21 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs in 93 games for the last place Nationals this season. Bell has been one of the best hitters in the National League this season, ranking seventh with his 148 wRC+, right above Mookie Betts and Pete Alonso.
Bell has played mostly first base this season and has been fine there with 1 OAA and was even better last year with 4 outs above average at first base in 2021. His defense at first base would allow the Mets to Alonso off his feet some down the stretch while keeping his bat in the lineup as the DH.
The left-handing hitting bell has fared well against lefties (.890 OPS) and righties (.898 OPS) this season. Bell is coming off a strong bounce back season in 2021 that saw him hit 27 home runs and post a 118 wRC+.
Bell has a 3.5 bWAR this season, good enough for ninth in the NL right above his superstar teammate Juan Soto‘s 3.4 WAR. Of course, Soto is rightfully the hot topic right now in baseball as the Nationals look to potentially trade him but Bell would certainly be a good short-term pick-up for the Mets.
