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Astros Rumors: 3 Trade Targets after missing out on Luis Castillo

By Jake Oliver

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 02: Tyler Mahle #30 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch in the game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on July 02, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 02: Tyler Mahle #30 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch in the game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on July 02, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Josh Bell, Astros Rumors, Astros trade rumors, MLB Trade rumors
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 13: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals looks on against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning of game two of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on July 13, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Reds. 90. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Designated Hitter. Josh Bell. 2. player

As much as the Astros love Yuli Gurriel, he’s just not getting the job done. It’s been a steep decline for the veteran player who led the MLB in batting average last year. In 2021, he hit .319. This year, he’s hitting only .238 with a .681 OPS. His OPS+ is a below-average 92. He only has 7 home runs though he does have 29 doubles. The 38-year-old first baseman just isn’t the power hitter or first baseman that the Astros can rely on upon coming to the playoffs. That’s why they need to trade for Josh Bell.

Josh Bell will cost a lot, but not as much as many other players since he’s a free agent at the end of the season. He’s in the midst of one of his best seasons yet. The switch-hitting first baseman is hitting .302 with a .877 OPS and 153 OPS+.

He has smashed 23 doubles, 3 triples, and 13 home runs for the rebuilding Nationals. His eye at the plate is the best in his career with 48 walks to 57 strikeouts. Bell has been worth a giant 3.1 wins above replacement. He’s the perfect power hitter that the Astros need to slot next to Yordan Alvarez.

Imagine seeing a lineup of Altuve, Brantley, Tucker, Alvarez, Bell, Bregman, and the guy on the next slide. It would be a World Series caliber lineup for sure. One that not even the Yankees could come close to topping I’d think.

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