It’s Christmas and the Washington Nationals got a present from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates traded first baseman Josh Bell to the Nationals on Thursday.
The Pirates will get pitchers Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean in return, according to ESPN. First base was one of the Nationals’ biggest needs after Howie Kendrick retired and Ryan Zimmerman hit the free-agent market. Now Washington has a switch-hitting power threat at first base who doesn’t hit free agency until after the 2022 season.
“We are thrilled to be adding a player of Josh Bell’s caliber to our team,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. “He adds a switch-hitting power bat to our lineup. And we know Josh will be an outstanding addition to our clubhouse and our community.”
Bell had an All-Star season in 2019. However this year he struggled, hitting a career-low .226 with eight home runs. Crowe was 0-2 with an 11.88 ERA in three starts this year with the Nationals. He is 26 and could compete for a rotation spot on the Pirates. Yean is 3-5 with 75 strikeouts in the minors. He is only 19 and a few years away from the majors
The Nationals were 26-34 this year after winning the World Series in 2019. Can Bell and the Nationals turn things around in 2021?
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
