Josh Bell

Josh Bell and the Nationals avoid arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $6.35 million deal.

Fantasy Impact

Bell was traded to the Nationals during the offseason and is expected to be the team’s everyday 1B. He struggled in 2020, slashing .226/.305/.364 with eight home runs, 22 RBI and 22 runs scored across 223 plate appearances for the Pirates. Bell is one year removed from crushing 37 homers and considered an excellent bounce back candidate in 2021.

The Pirates traded 1B Josh Bell to the Nationals in exchange for RHP Eddy Yean and RHP Wil Crowe on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Bell will get a fresh start in Washington D.C. after struggling for the Pirates in 2020. He is one season removed from slashing .277/.367/.364 with 37 homers. If the Nationals are getting the 2019 version of Bell, he could have another monster season in store for fantasy managers in 2021. The 28-year-old is expected to be the Nationals' starting 1B and hit in the middle of the order behind stars Trea Turner and Juan Soto. Bell is a borderline top-10 first baseman in upcoming 2021 fantasy drafts.

Josh Bell and teammate Jameson Taillon have been involed in trade talks between the Yankees and Pirates, according to beat writer Jason Mackey.

Fantasy Impact

Mackey did state that he was "unsure" of the "seriousness" of said talks but it's still an interesting idea. Bell, who is coming off a disappointing season, doesn't seem like much of a fit for the Yankees with Luke Voit and the log jam of potential designated hitters already in the Bronx. Acquiring an arm like Taillon would make more sense for New York but both teams could just be kicking the tires here. It's still a situation worth monitoring. The ice cold stove is starting to heat up.

Josh Bell went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk in Thursday's 7-0 win over the Cubs.

Fantasy Impact

Bell broke out of a 0-for-17 slump by belting a two-run shot off Kyle Ryan in the fifth inning. It was his eighth long ball of the season. Bell has struggled most of 2020, slashing .221/.296/.354 over 206 plater appearances in 2020.

Josh Bell was not in the lineup for Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Cubs.

Fantasy Impact

Bell was given the day off after going 0-for-19 with nine strikeouts in his last seven games. Colin Moran started in his place at first base. Bell has struggled most of 2020, slashing, .221/.296/.354 with seven home runs, 19 RBI, 19 runs over 206 plate appearances in 2020.