Three Questions The Nationals Still Need To Address

Is Josh Bell A Part Of The Rebuild?

We’ve advocated for re-signing Josh Bell in the past and our mindset on the situation hasn’t wavered. Bell is the second-best player on the Nationals and is a top ten first baseman in all of MLB. It should be a no-brainer to keep him in D.C. for the foreseeable future. However, there hasn’t been any news whether the two sides have begun discussing an extension.

Instead, it needs to be noted that Bell has one year left on his contract. If he can replicate his 2021 success, he will become a hot commodity on the trade market, allowing the Nationals to continue to bolster their improving farm system. Washington should be able to land a team’s top 15 prospect in return for Bell.

The 29-year old slugger is fresh off of a 2021 season where he slashed .261/.347/.476 and added 27 homers. As of now, he won’t command a massive contract, but first baseman don’t grow on trees and Bell should garner interest if he is able to reach free agency.

Branden Boissiere is the Nats’ top first base prospect and only has 25 games at single-A under his belt. Washington doesn’t have any other answers on the roster and will be set back if they let Bell leave. But the front office will need to figure out fast if the veteran wants to stay. He has yet to make the playoffs in his career and may want to join a contender.