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Mets: 3 division rivals they should trade for right now

By Noah Yingling

Jun 28, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Hand (52) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Hand (52) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Mets, Josh Bell, Washington Nationals
Jun 26, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell (19) smiles as he leaves the field in the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell

At first glance, you might think this is nuts from a Mets perspective. Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell does just that: plays first base. The Mets, arguably, have the best offensive first baseman in baseball in Pete Alonso.

In 75 games, Alonso is hitting .280/.359/.560 with 22 home runs, an MLB-leading 69 RBI, and an OPS+ of 158, or a total offensive production that is 58 percent higher than league average. Defensively, though, he has not been great. He already has -4 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in 58 games at first base (0 is league average).

If the Mets acquired Josh Bell, they could use Alonso as their designated hitter and use Bell at first base while also giving them more pop in their lineup and a switch-hitter as well.

The numbers say that Bell, who turns 30 next month, has actually been better than Alonso in nearly all aspects in 2022. Bell is hitting .319/.402/.507 with an OPS+ of 162. He also has 11 home runs and 46 RBI.

Currently, J.D. Davis has been the primary DH for the Mets and he’s hitting .243/.333/.345 with an OPS+ of 95. The Mets could also use Davis at third base some, spelling Eduardo Escobar occasionally since he has struggled a bit at the plate more than Davis.

Defensively, Bell has 3 DRS at first base in 2022 so he has been far superior to Alonso in that aspect.

Since Bell is a free agent at the end of the season, it wouldn’t cost the Mets a ton of prospects to get him either.

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