LOS ANGELES – The Bell is starting to ring in Cleveland.
Josh Bell is looking to help add another power bat to the defending AL Central champs and bring them back to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2016.
Josh Bell Heating Up After Slow Start
He currently has a .206 batting average, with three home runs and nine RBI. He has a .305 on-base percentage, and a .382 slugging percentage, still trying to get back to his .266/.362/.422 slashline from a season ago, where he was a valuable part to the Padres first NLCS appearance since 1998.
However, in his last 15 games, he’s starting to find his form, as he has a .286 batting average, a .355 on-base percentage, and a .589 slugging percentage.
He signed a two-year, $33 million contract last offseason with the Guardians, as they look to get the same production from last season where he won his first silver slugger award of his career, as well as a veteran voice in a clubhouse with a lot of young talent.
Bell Joins MLBbros Josh Naylor & Triston McKenzie In Cleveland
Bell joins fellow Bro Josh Naylor, who’s known as a true energizer for the team. They both have split time at first base and the designated hitter slot, and protect one another in the lineup, both either batting fourth or fifth. Bell not only brings incredible power at the plate, but the fact that he’s also a switch-hitter is what makes him even more valuable for not just the Guardians, but every team he’s been on. It allows him to be an everyday player without worrying about pitching matchups.
Plus, Bell has done a very good job at taking care of his body. The most games he’s ever missed in a full season is 19, so it’s a pretty safe bet for Cleveland fans to not have to fear an injury stint, unlike a lot of other star players. It was just in 2019 that Bell was one of the best players in the game, as he earned his first and only All-Star appearance. He had career highs in all major categories, including home runs with 37, RBI with 116, and his slashline of .277/.367/.569. He’s right in the middle of his prime, so another All-Star is certainly a possibility.
Not only has it been an overall slow start for Bell, but it’s been a slow start for the Guardians. They’re currently 13-15 and are three and a half games back from first. They’re 4-8 at home, which is one of the worst in the majors. However, most baseball experts believe they are much better than that and when Dr. Sticks returns, his presence will boost the entire club.
It’s evident that in order to repeat as AL Central champions, Bell is going to have to step it up. He’s going to have to be that player that San Diego traded for their playoff push and has got to help get that Believeland energy back to Progressive Field.
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