The Pittsburgh Pirates traded All-Star first baseman Josh Bell to the Washington Nationals in exchange for two young pitchers, the team confirmed on Thursday.
According to RADIO.COM MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Pirates will receive right-handers Eddy Yean and Wil Crowe.
Bell, 28, is a switch-hitting slugger who ought to add protection behind Juan Soto in the Nationals lineup – which struggled to replace the production from Anthony Rendon’s departure.
The first baseman struggled last year in the pandemic-shortened season, hitting just eight home runs and slashing .226/.305/.364 in 57 games.
Bell had a breakout season the year prior, though, earning his first All-Star nod as he slugged a career-high 37 home runs and 116 RBI while slashing .277/.367/.569.
Crowe, 26, is the No. 3 ranked prospect in the Nationals farm system. He made his MLB debut last season and started in three games, posting an 11.88 ERA – allowing 11 earned runs in 8.1 innings.
Yean, 19, is the No. 6 ranked prospect in the Nationals system, most recently pitching in Short-A ball for Washington. He is projected to reach the majors in 2023.
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