Oct 19, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Josh Bell (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of the NLCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres
The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a two-year, $33 million deal with first baseman Josh Bell that includes an opt-out clause after the 2023 season.
The 30-year-old Bell spent the first five seasons of his career with the Pirates before playing for the Nationals in 2021; and played for both the Nationals and Padres last season after being shipped to San Diego at the deadline as part of the Juan Soto trade. In 156 games between D.C. and San Diego last year, Bell hit .266/.362/.422 (128 OPS+) with 29 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, 71 RBI, 78 runs and 3.0 WAR.
Bell – who was an All-Star in 2019 and won a Silver Slugger last season — hit .301 with an .877 OPS for the Nationals last season. A switch-hitter, Bell has generally been better from the right side through his career, though last season he hit better as a lefty.
