How Has The Josh Bell Trade Looked For The Guardians So Far?

Let’s take a look at how Cleveland’s final deadline deal is panning out so far.

Josh Bell

After his 2022 Silver Slugger season, the 31-year-old signed a two-year, $33 million deal with the Guardians as a free agent. However, he played just 97 games with Cleveland, hitting .233 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, and 19 doubles.

In 53 regular season games with Miami, Bell hit .270 with 11 home runs, 26 RBI, and nine doubles. He also went 4-for-8 with two doubles and an RBI in a 2023 NL Wild Card series.

Bell recently exercised his $16.5 million option into the second year of his contract, and will return to the Marlins next season.

Kahlil Watson

Originally selected 16th overall by the Marlins in the 2021 MLB Draft out of high school, the 20-year-old possesses a strong combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess.

Before the trade, he played 58 games with High-A Beloit this season, hitting .206 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, and 10 doubles.

After the deal, Watson hit .233 with five home runs, 16 RBI, three doubles, and 24 strikeouts in 23 games with Lake County.

Is this trade a win for the Guardians? It's probably too early to tell.

Bell hasn't played long with the Marlins, and Watson is still working his way through Cleveland's farm system. 

This swap could potentially be a big win for the Guardians, but fans will have to wait to find out if it is.