Mike Rizzo filled 2 very crucial voids over the past few days, starting by bringing back a former fan favorite. On Sunday, the Nationals signed free agent 1B/DH Josh Bell to a 1-year deal worth $6 million. Bell, a former all-star, began his career in 2016 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bell was a top prospect and a power threat from both sides of the plate. Bell amassed 91 home runs over his time in Pittsburgh, including a career-high 37 in 2019, which would be Josh Bell's lone all-star season.
On December 24th of 2020, the Nationals acquired the slugger from Pittsburgh in exchange for RHP Wil Crowe. Bell was coming off a down year in 2020, only hitting 8 homers in 195 at-bats in the shortened season. Bell had a phenomenal bounce-back season in DC surrounded by the likes of Juan Soto, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber. In 2021, Bell hit .266 with 27 homers, the 2nd most in his career, as well as producing 88 RBI and an .823 OPS. Josh Bell became a fan favorite and would take the momentum into the 2022 season, where things went even better.
Bell hit at an all-star level in the first half of the 2022 season. Bell was arguably the biggest all-star snub in 2022. Over 103 games, Bell hit .301 with 14 homers and 57 RBI. Bell would be traded to San Diego in the trade that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the Padres. Following his time in DC, things got interesting for Bell. Bell would only hit 3 homers during the final months of 2022 with San Diego. Following the season, Bell signed a 2-year deal with Cleveland. Bell would be traded again to Miami in 2023. In 2024, Bell would be traded for a 3rd time, this time to Arizona. Josh Bell's best numbers came in the 2nd half of 2024 with Arizona, hitting .279 over 41 games. Bell found a bit of resurgence with the Snakes and would test the market again in 2025. Now, Bell is back in DC for the first time in 3 years to serve as the Nationals DH in 2025. Some of Josh Bell's best numbers came during his time and DC, and the 32-year-old vet looks to find a groove in the Nation's Capital.
The Nationals also brought back veteran RHP Trevor Williams Monday morning. Williams has spent the last 2 seasons in DC and signed a 2-year deal to be under contract until 2026. In 2024, Trevor Williams pitched to a career-best 2.03 ERA over 13 starts. Williams did suffer an injury that would sideline him for months, but Williams did continue to pitch well following his return. Williams has inserted himself back into the rotation with veteran Mike Soroka since the offseason began. Of course, Trevor could end up in the bullpen if he is outperformed by others or doesn't pitch well like he did in 2024.
While names like Josh Bell and Trevor Williams are not at the top of the free agency board, they are certainly better names than Joey Gallo and Nick Senzel. Mike Rizzo still has time to spend big and add Jack Flaherty or Alex Bregman, but it does not seem likely. Mike Rizzo needs to add a third baseman and at least 2 veteran high-leverage relievers for fans to consider this a successful offseason. All the while, this is a good, underrated start.