Bell signed his first professional contract with the Pirates in 2011 and played in the Gulf Coast League for his rookie season. He quickly moved up the ranks and made his MLB debut for the Pirates in 2016. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that he had his breakthrough season. That year, he was selected to play in the MLB All-Star Game, won a Silver Slugger Award, and set career-highs with 37 home runs, 116 runs batted in (RBIs), a batting average of .277, and an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .936.
Bell’s 2019 season was remarkable, considering where he was just two years prior. In 2017, he struggled to find consistency and ended the season with a batting average of .255, only 26 home runs, and 90 RBIs. Bell needed to make some significant improvements if he wanted to become a starter and cement his spot on the Pirates’ .
Bell worked hard during the 2018 offseason to improve his hitting approaches, plate discipline, and power. He worked with the Pirates’ hitting coaches, Tim Laker and Jacob Cruz, on his swing mechanics, making him more compact and efficient, which led to him producing more power. Bell also focused on his pitch selection, helping him wait for better pitches to hit.
His dedication in the offseason paid off, and Bell started the 2019 season with a bang. He hit .302 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs in April, earning Player of the Month honors for the National League. Bell’s power surge continued throughout the season, and he became the Pirates’ most consistent hitter. He played in 143 games, driving in 116 runs, and hit 37 home runs, tenth-most in the NL.
Bell’s numbers declined significantly in 2020, due in part to a slump during the middle of the season. However, Washington saw something in Bell’s talent and potential, and they acquired him from Pittsburgh in December. The move made sense for Washington, as first base was one of their weakest positions, and Bell has proven he can produce offensive power.
Bell’s addition to Washington’s team is a significant addition, and it gives them another strong bat in their lineup. He’ll be a critical piece in trying to lift Washington back to their 2019 World Series-winning form. Additionally, Washington is hoping they can help Bell regain his 2019 form and get back to producing the numbers that made him an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner that year.
In conclusion, Josh Bell is an excellent addition to the Washington Nationals since he has shown his ability to produce high offensive numbers. He had a fantastic 2019 season and had a hiccup in the 2020 season, but Washington is hoping he can turn things around in 2021. Bell is a vital piece in Washington’s attempt to get back to their championship form, and if he can produce the same numbers as he did in 2019, he could be one of the best power hitters in the game.