CLEVELAND, OH (92.3 THE FAN) - Today the Cleveland Guardians introduced their most prominent offseason acquisition, Josh Bell.
Bell inking a two-year deal with the Guardians was first reported last Tuesday, December 6th. It was officially announced this afternoon.
“He checks all the boxes,” said Chris Antonetti President of Baseball Operations “A switch-hitting, middle-of-the-order bat who also has earned a reputation as a great teammate and contributor to the community”
Bell has played seven seasons with three different clubs. He started the 2022 season with the Washington Nationals and then was dealt to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline. The first-baseman overall posted a 3.0 WAR, with 18 home runs and a Silver Slugger award, the first of his career.
Although his on-base plus slugging in San Diego dipped below almost .300 from his numbers in Washington, he showed up in the postseason for the Padres.
The 30-year-old went nine for 36, with two home runs and five RBI in 10 games played, his first postseason in his seven-year career. San Diego, like Cleveland, had a great run but left wanting more.
“Every expectation I had (for the postseason) was blown out of the water,” said Bell. “The entire Guardians roster collectively we all have the same taste in our mouth and are excited to get another crack at it next year.”
Bell will be thrust into a playoff atmosphere once again but with a team that has a contact-first style of play.
“Changes in the game are trying to promote teams like the Guardians” Bell added “The shift change will help me and all lefties.”
Chris Antonetti also noted that Bell can and will play both first base and designated hitter. Josh Naylor, the Guardians 2022 first baseman is expected to still be involved in 2023, with the full plan being fleshed out in spring training.
Bell was transparent with his struggles in the second half of 2022 believing he was a step behind and that has fueled him in the offseason. Bell’s agent Scott Boras believes this new atmosphere will fit both sides.
“There is still a ceiling left in Josh Bell,” said Scott Boras “Both me and Chris (Antonetti) believe in his potential.”
Terms of the deal were not made apparent, but reports have indicated it's worth $33 million, with an opt-out clause after 2023.
Although it is not a homecoming for Josh specifically, his wife Arlia is from Poland, Ohio, 82 miles from downtown Cleveland. She was grinning “ear to ear,” when her husband signed.
The Guardians have shown interest in improving other facets of the game. Catcher Sean Murphy, a potential target for Cleveland was traded to the Atlanta Braves earlier today according to multiple reports.
