The Miami Marlins have a big choice to make. The team is looking to deal first baseman Josh Bell, but would have to eat up a large amount of his contract if they do. The team would have to spend about $16 million on Bell if he leaves the team this summer, per USA Today.
Miami is 23-47 on the year, and one of the worst teams in the National League. The Marlins are struggling this season especially on the road, where they have a 11-22 record. That is good for the second worst road record in the National League.
The Marlins and Bell have struggled in 2024
Miami's struggles are the main reason why they are looking to ship Bell. The first baseman is struggling at the plate this season. He is hitting with a mere .236 batting average, and hasn't had a hit in his last six games before Sunday. Bell has seven home runs this season to go with 31 runs batted in. He hasn't had a multi-hit game since June 5, against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Even though Bell is struggling, he has been productive in the past. He had more than 70 RBIs last season, hitting for the Marlins as well as the Cleveland Guardians. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals in his MLB career. He was an All-Star with the Pirates in 2019, and also won a Silver Slugger Award during the 2022 season.
Bell's trade stock seemed to be rising earlier this season. He had a hitting streak heading into June, and had reached base in eight consecutive contests heading into that June 5 game against Tampa. Things have unfortunately turned in the wrong direction since then for the veteran.
Where could Bell end up?
Miami seems intent on dealing Bell before the July 30 trade deadline. The first baseman has been linked to some other teams, including the Pirates. Pittsburgh is rumored to want to reunite with Bell, per the New York Post. Bell started his MLB career with the Bucs and was a fan favorite in the Steel City. He left Pittsburgh after the 2020 campaign.
The Astros and Twins are also rumored to be interested in Bell, per the New York Post. The Astros have problems of their own, getting shackled with a $30 million price tag for parting ways with Jose Abreu. It will be interesting to see what happens with Bell, but the Marlins seem stuck between a rock and a hard place. The team is most likely going to have to pay their first baseman a lot of money, if he stays with the team or not. Miami is on the hook for almost his entire $16 million contract.
The Marlins are in action Sunday, playing the Washington Nationals. That game is ongoing at time of writing.
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