4 former Pirates who could end up back in Pittsburgh via free agency

Josh Bell

The Pirates traded Josh Bell during the 2020-2021 offseason. He has put up mixed numbers since, but he hasn’t had a below-average season per measure of wRC+ in his career unless you count the 223 plate appearances he took during the 2020 campaign. Although he may best be served for a part-time 1B/DH role, the Pirates could definitely use a solid bat regardless of playing time or position.

Bell started the year off with the Miami Marlins but hit just .239/.302/.369 with a .294 wOBA and 85 wRC+ through his first three months. Although Bell kept his strikeout rate under control at 18.1%, he didn’t draw many walks (7% BB rate). He did not hit for much pop either, with just eight home runs in 342 plate appearances and an isolated slugging percentage of .129.

But after the start of July, which included a trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Bell would turn things around and hit .262/.342/.454 with a .347 wOBA and 121 wRC+ throughout his final 261 plate appearances of the year. His strikeout rate took a turn in the wrong direction to 22.2% (which was still better than the league average), but he walked much more frequently, upping his BB% to 10.3%. He also saw his power output rise with 11 homers and a .192 isolated slugging percentage.

This may not have been a complete fluke, either. Bell saw his barrel rate go from 6.8% to 8.6%, and his exit velo rose from 88.4 MPH to 89.4 MPH. The switch-hitter’s xwOBA also rose from just .304 to .329. Bell’s rate of making quality contact went up and he was also more selective with pitches, as his out-of-zone swing rate fell from 29.7% to 26.2%.

The downside is Bell’s defense at first base hasn’t improved since the Pirates traded him. He was the worst defensive first baseman in the eyes of DRS and the second-worst in OAA this season. 

Bell may thrive in a platoon/part-time role at first base and designated hitter. Andrew McCutchen isn’t getting any younger, and the Pirates have very little depth at first base. He should not be the full-time answer, however, as they have plenty of better, full-time options to pursue, but he’d still find plenty of playing time with 2-3 starts a week at 1B and DH, along with potential pinch-hitting appearances.