In his second stint with the Washington Nationals, could Josh Bell be involved in yet another trade deadline deal? The 32-year-old designated hitter began the 2025 season in the worst way, hitting .151 with a .526 OPS in April. Additionally, Bell had hit only three home runs and drove in ten runs, while seeming like another failed free agent signing was in the cards.
Then the month of May arrived, and the veteran began producing. Bell hit .254/.367/.860 with five homers and nine runs driven in during May, according to ESPN.com. As of July, Bell is hitting .219 overall and has increased his OPS to .678. What's essential about Bell's statistics and trade value? He's heating up at the right time.
So far in July, Bell is hitting .368/.455/.928 with five home runs and six runs batted in. With the trade deadline fast approaching at the end of the month, playoff-hunting teams are searching for power bats off the bench. Josh Bell fits the mold for a plethora of playoff teams as most likely a power bat off the bench at the manager's disposal. Considering how Bell began the season, I would anticipate the Nats being happy to deal Bell at the deadline. The switch-hitter has turned around his season for the better.
What should the Nationals expect in return for the power-hitting switch-hitter? Let's examine the facts: Bell is on an expiring contract and is 32 years old; the Nationals won't receive much in return. In this case, something is better than nothing in return for Josh Bell. It's unlikely the Nats retain Bell going into his age-33 season next year, so trading him makes sense.
Another RBI for Josh Bell pic.twitter.com/z348sRsh4b
— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) July 2, 2025
The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Nationals are expected to be sellers; it's a matter of how many players will be moved. The 2025 MLB Draft and its coverage have concluded, and the trade deadline is now at the center of attention.
The Nats have been active in the past few deadlines, so do not expect anything different this year. At this time next month, we may be discussing the results of a trade involving a few Nationals' players. Stay tuned to find out who gets moved!