With their lineup scuffling the Nationals need their slugging DH to go on one of his patented hot streaks
Throughout his career, Josh Bell has been a feast or famine player. Often, he is either red hot or ice cold. So far this season, Bell has been the latter, hitting .133 with a .524 OPS. For the Nats offense to go on a run, especially without CJ Abrams, Bell has to be better. The biggest question is whether Bell is just cold or is he cooked?
Josh Bell has been a slow starter in recent years. 2022 was the only year where Bell had an OPS over .705 in April. Last season, Bell had a prolonged struggle with a .645 OPS in the first half, before getting going after the break with an .885 OPS.
Hopefully for the Nationals sake, it doesn’t take Bell as long to get going. However, there are some concerning signs with the slugger that indicate he is not the same guy he was in his first stint in DC. Bell’s OPS has gone down every year since 2021. At 32, turning 33 in August, the slugger might just be over the hill.
Bell’s batted ball profile is alarming too. Despite having a reputation as a slugger, his average exit velocity is at a measly 84.8 MPH. That is in the bottom fifth percentile. Back in 2021, his average exit velocity was 92.5 MPH, an elite number. However, it seems like the slugger has lost a lot of his juice.
Bell has a history of slow starts and streaky play, so we need to give him grace for now. However, I am keeping a close eye on him. If he doesn’t heat up in May, his playing time could be at risk. This looks like a player on the back nine of his career.
It is a shame to see because after his horrific first month in 2021. Bell was a really fun player for the Nats. His powerful duo with Kyle Schwarber made me believe again, before the Nats fell apart and had to go into the full rebuild they are in now.
Josh Bell was a great servant to the Nats his first go around. His inclusion in the Juan Soto trade is reportedly a big reason why Jarlin Susana was in the deal. Susana is now one of the more electric pitching prospects in baseball.
Bell also seems like a great human being. His book club was such a great initiative his first go around. There are a lot of people getting on Bell right now. While I will get on Bell for his poor performance, I will always like the person and the player he was the first time. I am rooting for him to get hot. Even last year, he showed he has the ability to carry an offense for brief spurts.
Hopefully Josh Bell gets going because if he does not there will have to be uncomfortable conversations about a player I really loved. He has no defensive or base running value, so if the bat isn’t there, he isn’t doing anything for the team. Josh Bell needs to get going offensively and soon.