MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins "Plan To Trade" All-Star Infielder

The Miami Marlins are actively seeking to trade All-Star first baseman Josh Bell as part of their broader strategy to rebuild their roster for future competitiveness.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Marlins are prepared to absorb a significant portion of Bell's $16 million remaining contract to facilitate a trade.

Not only does this Josh Bell web gem preserve the Marlins lead, but it also could prove the difference between Braxton Garrett going 5-plus innings. pic.twitter.com/Vzr5qSVqLh
— Louis Addeo-Weiss (@addeo_louis00) May 29, 2024

This decision is a clear indication of the team's intention to part with high-cost veterans and focus on acquiring assets that can contribute to long-term success.

Josh Bell, who has a .236 batting average this season with seven home runs and 31 RBIs, has previously played for several teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and Cleveland Guardians before his stint with the Marlins.

He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting with the Pirates in 2017, was an All-Star in 2019 with the Pirates, and was a Silver Slugger in the 2022 season with the Washington Nationals.

With the Marlins currently near the bottom of the National League standings, trading Bell could help the team reallocate resources more effectively.

Spoke to Josh Bell after today’s game and asked about the Marlins struggles against left handed pitching. He shares his thoughts on facing the Nationals young lefty starters and how they attacked Miami’s hitters @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/GnnMAnNfoY
— Alex “Milo” Aguirre (@aguirrethecap33) June 16, 2024

Over his nine-year career, the 31-year-old holds a .258/.344/.447 triple-slash line, along with 159 home runs, 573 RBIs, four stolen bases, and 515 runs scored across 1,072 games played.

Potential suitors for Bell include his former team, the Pirates, as well as the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins, highlighting his continued value as a veteran presence capable of bolstering a lineup, according to Andrew Peters of Bleacher Report.

Photo Credit: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports