First base will be covered for the Washington Nationals this upcoming season, with Josh Bell signing a new deal to the tune of one year and $6 million, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. After testing free agency this offseason, the infielder returns to Washington for a second tenure with the Nats as he looks to keep improving on his defense while making an impact on offense. With the deal done, Bell is certain to excel on both sides of the plate and inning come spring.
Josh Bell to the Nationals . 6M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 30, 2024
Tenacious First Baseman Josh Bell Lands New Contract with Nationals
A Career on the Move
Bell started his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving four solid seasons while slashing .265/.354/.477 over the same period. 2020 saw a drop-off, where he slashed a less impressive .226/.305/.364 before a trade to the Nationals. The deal would see Bell go to Washington in exchange for prospects Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean. After 247 games with the Nationals, Bell would become a journeyman, playing on four different teams in two years, picking up a Silver Slugger Award with the San Diego Padres in 2022.
At Home In the Desert
Bell began 2024 with the Miami Marlins before a late-season injury to Christian Walker saw the Arizona Diamondbacks pick up his contract. The month of August saw the switch hitter slashing .276/.349/.459 before Walker returned to his assignment. Bell also showed solid defense with a fielding percentage of 1.000 on zero errors in 41 games with the Snakes. After his brief stint in the desert, Bell will return to DC looking to make the most of the 2025 season.
New Day, New Deal
Bell looks to lend his offensive effort to his new home while holding his own manning the bag. With 1,042 hits, 613 RBI, and 171 home runs over his career, the Nats can expect Bell to provide plenty of value at first. Noting his ability to hit from either side of the plate only makes the deal sweeter. Bell will offer a steady offensive output while keeping opponents to minimal on-base opportunities this upcoming season.
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