Josh Bell returns to the Capitol for a reunion. 6 million per year dollar trading. The 32-year-old will serve as the Nationals’ DH this season. After a slow start in Miami last season, Bell much better After being traded to the Diamondbacks.
While not the big-money acquisition many were expecting, Bell will be a much-needed power source in the middle of the Nationals’ lineup. He is also popular as a veteran presence who will bring leadership to a young clubhouse. Hopefully, they’ll also bring back the book club that was so popular in Washington DC.
However, this signature is a little underwhelming. While Bell is a good bounce-back candidate, this is another example of Nationals ownership being overly frugal. There were better options on the DH market. Anthony Santander, who hit 44 home runs, is still on the market. Joc Pederson, who was phenomenal last season with Arizona, signed a two-year, $37 million contract with Texas.
These are better players than Bell, but they are also more expensive. Over the past few offseasons, Nationals ownership has been reluctant to greenlight the type of big-money, multi-year deals that they have in the past. The highest amount the Nationals have spent on free agents since the 2020-21 offseason is 15 million They spent money on Nelson Cruz. This was supposed to break that record in the offseason, but it hasn’t happened yet. There’s still time left, but it feels like a solid but underwhelming offseason for the Nats.
Mike Rizzo has made some quality additions this offseason, but has he lived up to his potential? step on the gas Like he said at the Winter Meeting?
