Pittsburgh Pirates Josh Bell: Another Prospect Gets the Call

Josh Bell has been promoted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and is the third top prospect that the team has called up in a matter of weeks. How interested should fantasy owners be?

The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to be looking for answers anywhere they can as top offensive prospect, Josh Bell, has been promoted. Bell’s offensive prowess has been well documented since he was drafted out of high school in 2011, and he has always been ranked on the top prospect lists. He has routinely hit at every stop in the minors, so many fantasy owners and Pirates fans, have been anticipating his debut.

Unfortunately for Bell, the stellar Pittsburgh outfield has stalled his way to the majors. Bell has a AAA line of, .324/13 HR/53 RBI/.942 OPS, which is about right in line with what he has averaged across nearly stop in the minors. His 13 homers are tied for a career high, and this years total came in nearly 200 less at bats, so he has shown a power uptick.

Josh Bell stands in at, 6’2 and 245 pounds, so he is not a small guy by any means, and has more room to develop. His power totals have not been staggering by any means, but the gap to gap approach he has showcased, is a plus skill in itself. He also happens to be a switch hitter, making his .309 career minor league average even more impressive.

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Bell’s current value lies in deeper leagues, where owners can utilize him in certain match-ups. However, even though John Jaso is a OBP extraordinaire, he has struggled some versus lefties. The Pirates did not promote Bell just for him to ride the bench, so he will at least start in a platoon role against lefties. Bell is just about as polished as a minor league hitter you will find, has never struck out more than 90 times in one season, so he surely has the talent to become the full time first baseman before too long.

The Pirates need offense wherever they can find it, and Bell looks to be a great mid season addition to the lineup. All the offensive pieces are there for the Pirates, so Bell should thrive if given enough at bats. He is not a must add off the waiver wire just yet, but he is definitely a guy to watch., as he could quickly become a difference maker down the stretch.