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MLB rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Pirates slugger Josh Bell

By Steven Kubitza

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 28: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 28, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 28: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 28, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Several teams should be calling the Pirates this offseason about a trade for Josh Bell.

The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to be in an endless cycle of rebuilding. The team last made the postseason in 2015 and finished the 2020 season with a record of 19-41.

The organization has routinely traded away top talent and Josh Bell is a name to keep an eye on in trade talks this offseason. He is entering the second year of arbitration and could bring back a nice haul of prospects in return.

Bell had a down year in 2020, but that was true for a lot of players and he was still an All-Star in 2019. He had eclipsed the 30-home run mark in both 2018 and 2019 and would be a nice addition even as a designated hitter. Several teams need to be calling the Pirates about a deal this offseason.

3 teams that should inquire about a Josh Bell trade

3. Texas Rangers

The Rangers held onto both Lance Lynn and Joey Gallo at the 2020 trade deadline even though the playoffs weren’t within reach. That shows a desire to compete in 2021 and a trade for Bell can help that cause.

This club tried to make a splash last offseason by trading for Corey Kluber. That ended up being a disaster as he pitched one inning before being out for the season with an injury. The lack of return on the deal was apparent right away and the Rangers may have held onto Lynn and Gallo hoping for a reset in 2021.

Bell could slide in at either first base or as the DH. Ronald Guzman posted the highest WAR at the position for Texas each of the past three seasons, but that has not come in a full-time role. There is an opening and a need for an upgrade. If his defense is a liability, making the permanent switch to DH is fine too.

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