The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Top Five Trade Pieces

Sep 17, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates minor league outfielder Josh Bell (35) of the Altoona Curve in attendance as he was named the Pirates Minor Player of the Year before the Pirates host the Boston Red Sox at PNC Park. The Pirates won 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Bell is a name that excites many Pittsburgh Pirates watchers, and rightfully so. Many see Bell as the first baseman of the future to replace Pedro Alvarez. At the plate, there is a ton to like – the switch hitter shows tantalizing power when batting left and is improving when batting right. While not showing as much power as a righty, the left vs right splits overall are pretty close, as Bell bats .291 vs LHP and .316 vs RHP.  After earning a promotion to Altoona last year, one expects another year of seasoning – possibly at Triple-A Indianapolis – could help Bell increase patience at the plate.

As many know, Bell made the move from the outfield into 1B this year. It has been a mixed bag. By all accounts, Alvarez looks like a gold glove candidate at the position when compared to Bell. When considering the future of the first base position, Bell’s slow grasp of 1B can present a few problems for the Bucs’ long term plans for the position. Still, Bell would be a very valuable trade chip for an organization that doesn’t necessarily need him to play first base.

Our next trade chip is hotly debated to say the least.

Next: #2 - Injuries be damned