Grading each Padres trade: 2022 MLB Trade deadline

Josh Bell rumored Padres trade target — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals tosses his bat as he runs to first base after being walked against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Acquiring 1B Josh Bell, A

The Padres convinced the Nationals to trade first baseman Josh Bell alongside Soto, which is a huge accomplishment. Bell is another slugger who will certainly bring needed improvements at first base in the lineup.

This season, Bell is hitting .301/.384/.493 for an OPS of .877. He’s hitting slightly better than Machado, who has carried the lineup all season in the absence of Tatis.

Bell has produced 14 home runs this season, seven of which were in June. He’ll be replacing Eric Hosmer, who was recently traded to the Boston Red Sox and has underperformed this season. Hosmer hit .272/.336/.391 for an OPS of .727.

He’ll also be replacing Luke Voit, who was included in the trade package to the Nationals. Voit is hitting .225/.317/.416 for an OPS of .733.

The Padres have 85.1 percent playoff odds, according to FanGraphs, and landing Bell alongside Soto could help them increase their odds.

Acquiring 1B Josh Bell, A

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