The Miami Marlins are approaching the Trade Deadline with a team unlikely to make the playoffs, a disappointing turn for a team that made the postseason last year. This decline is also reflected in the lack of All-Star Game votes. Much of the blame falls on Peter Bendix, though it’s debatable how much responsibility he bears. One certainty is that a sell-off is imminent.
How much can Josh Bell fetch at the Trade Deadline? It’s not surprising that first baseman Josh Bell might be traded soon. Currently, Bell has a .242/.303/.373 batting line, with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs in 83 games and 314 at-bats this season. This is underwhelming, and his $16.5 million salary and poor defense don’t help his case.
Is there a market for the 31-year-old impending free agent? Unfortunately, it’s doubtful. Bell has a dismal -0.9 WAR this season, and his track record isn’t particularly impressive. He’s inconsistent and has a career .258/.343/.466 batting line over his nine years in the majors.
Josh Bell has shown potential in the past. In 2021, he batted .261/.347/.476 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs in 144 games and 498 at-bats while playing for the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. He was even better during the “juiced ball” 2019 season, batting .277/.367/.569 with 37 home runs and 116 RBIs in 143 games and 527 at-bats, which remains his best season.
What can an acquiring team expect from Josh Bell? Sadly, not much. He’s likely to be a low-average, 20-home-run hitter with poor defense. Given that the Miami Marlins are expected to cover most of his salary, the best return might be a low-level lottery ticket prospect.
