Josh Bell, a seasoned first baseman with a penchant for power hitting, has found a new home, albeit a familiar one, with the Washington Nationals. Bell, 32, inked a one-year, $6 million deal with the Nationals, marking his return to the team after previous stints from 2021 to 2022. This signing comes as a surprise given that the Nationals recently acquired another first baseman, Nathaniel Lowe, in a trade with the Texas Rangers. While the move raises questions about the team’s strategy, it offers Bell a chance to revitalize his career and contribute to a team looking to bolster its offensive output.
The free-agent market for first basemen this offseason has been relatively quiet, with Pete Alonso dominating the headlines as the most sought-after player at the position. Alonso’s potential acquisition comes with a hefty price tag, both in terms of salary and draft pick compensation, making him a less accessible option for many teams. Bell, on the other hand, presented a more affordable alternative, offering considerable power potential at a fraction of the cost. This made him an attractive option for the Nationals, who were seeking to address their offensive shortcomings, particularly at the designated hitter position.
The Nationals’ acquisition of both Lowe and Bell seemingly creates a logjam at first base. However, Bell’s versatility and experience as a designated hitter provide a solution. The Nationals struggled with production from the DH spot in 2024, ranking 24th in MLB in slugging percentage. Bell, with his career-high 37 home runs in 2019 and an average of 21 home runs per year in non-pandemic seasons, is expected to fill that void and inject much-needed power into the Nationals’ lineup. While Lowe is projected to be the primary first baseman, Bell’s presence provides valuable depth and flexibility, allowing him to spell Lowe occasionally and contribute as the primary designated hitter.
Bell’s career trajectory has taken him through various teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he achieved All-Star status in 2019, the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks. His combined experience with these teams showcases his adaptability and resilience. In 2024, he played for both the Marlins and Diamondbacks, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 71 runs. This consistent production, even amidst changing team dynamics, underscores his value as a reliable power hitter.
The Nationals’ decision to sign Bell suggests a strategic move to bolster their offensive capabilities without committing to a long-term, high-cost acquisition like Alonso. By bringing Bell back into the fold, the Nationals are betting on his proven power-hitting ability to revitalize their lineup. This signing provides them with a cost-effective solution to their DH woes and adds depth to their first base position. Bell’s familiarity with the Nationals organization also likely played a role in the decision, making for a smoother transition and quicker integration into the team dynamic.
While Bell’s arrival might initially appear to create a positional redundancy, a closer look reveals a strategic fit within the Nationals’ roster. The move allows the Nationals to address a key offensive weakness while providing valuable depth and flexibility at first base. For Bell, this signing represents a chance to return to familiar surroundings, contribute to a team looking to improve, and potentially reestablish himself as a premier power-hitting first baseman in the league. The one-year deal also provides Bell with an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially command a more lucrative contract in the future.
