Player Data: Position: 1B/DH, Age: 30 (8/14/1992), B/T: L/L

Traditional Stats: 156 G, 647 PA, .266 AVG, 17 HR, 71 RBI,s, 78 R, 29 2B, 81 BB, .422 SLG, .784 OPS
Advanced Stats:2.0 fWAR, 3.0 bWAR, 123 WRC+, 12.5% BB, 15.8% K, .296 BABIP, .156 ISO, 128 OPS+

2022 Salary: $10,000,000 (free agent in 2022)

Rundown

One of the major pratfalls of the New York Mets offense late in the season was their lack of production from the designated-hitter (DH) position and against left-handed pitching. Daniel Vogelbach proved to be competent against right-handed pitching in the DH spot but tailed off. Furthermore, Darin Ruf did not live up to his usual splits against lefties, forcing the Mets to create a right-handed platoon that featured Mark Vientos, Eduardo Escobar and Francisco Álvarez.

With this occurrence last season, the Mets should seek out someone who could not only supplement the offense already provided by Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, but also provide stability to the right side of the plate. One of those individuals they can look to is free agent, switch-hitter Josh Bell.

Josh Bell completed last season with two different teams, starting off hot but gradually tailing off. He was part of the Juan Soto trade from Washington to San Diego as a secondary piece during the 2022 season. Looking at his numbers, Bell doesn’t seem too much of a draw, as he shows signs of inconsistency with his swing and is very aggressive at the plate, especially early in the count. What is there though, is power, and lots of it. Not to mention, he is also able to hit to the opposite field.

His career-best season was with Pittsburgh in 2019 where he hit 37 home runs along with driving in 116 runs. His slash line that season was a pristine .277/.367/.569 (.936 OPS). After struggling during his 2020 campaign with the Pirates, he signed with the Washington Nationals on a one-year deal worth $10 million. In doing so, his power-hitting ways returned as he belted 27 home runs and drove in 88 runs with a slash line of .261/.347/.476 (.823 OPS).

His first half numbers for the Nationals in 2022 were trending upwards, as he slugged 13 home runs and drove in 50 runs. His slash line over that stretch was .311/.390/.504 with an OPS of .895. His second half numbers, after the trade to San Diego, dropped significantly, as he only hit a measly .194 with four home runs. Though, he performed okay in the playoffs for San Diego posting an OPS of .714 in ten games played.

Overall, Bell hit lefties well in 2022, slashing .276/.357/.459 with a wRC of 127. He walked 12.5% of the time, which is above the league average of 8.2%. He also struck out at a 15.8% clip, which also places him below the league average of 22.4%.

Another large part of his game was the aforementioned ability to hit the ball the other way. As a right-handed batter, he posted an OPS of .978 and with 11 RBI. As a left-handed hitter, Bell drove in eight going to the opposite field with a .963 OPS.

Overall, Bell turned in a fine season in 2022. He also has the pedigree and potential of the explosive 2019 and 2021 seasons he posted. He is a power-hitting, switch hitter that can provide a boost to any team’s lineup.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Contract

Bell’s agent, Scott Boras, will more than likely be on the look for a multi-year contract for his client. Spotrac has Bell projected to sign a contract of four years, totaling upwards of $55 million, and an annual value close to $14-million a season. Meanwhile, MLB Trade Rumors projects Bell at a four-year deal worth $64 million in total. A $16-million annual average value.

It is likely he settles in somewhere in between those two projections. Though, given his poor second half of 2022, and down season in 2020, maybe it is possible a team will try to entice him with a shorter-term deal.

Recommendation

Bell would be an intriguing grab for the New York Mets. A switch-hitting power hitter who can play the role of designated hitter as well as first baseman when the team would like to rest Alonso. Bell can compliment the middle of the lineup along the likes of Alonso, Lindor, Jeff McNeil, among others, perfectly.

As mentioned above, at his current projections there would certainly be some risk that second half of 2022 or 2020 Bell makes an appearance. Though, given what he brings to the table for a lineup that has struggles versus left-handed pitching, this is someone the Mets should certainly check in on. If the price ends up right, Bell would help the Mets round out an already solid lineup with something they desperately need.