Washington Nationals
The Chicago White Sox could make another big trade with the Washington Nationals.
If the White Sox choose to go with a platoon between Andrew Vaugh and Gavin Sheets in right field they could make a major splash by adding Josh Bell to be their full-time designated hitter.
The Nationals are clearly entering a rebuilding phase and Bell is entering the final year of his contract, making him a prime trade candidate. Because he is in the final year of his deal the White Sox may be able to give up fewer assets to pry him away. However, doing so would mean eating his $10-million salary in 2022.
Bell would make the White Sox lineup more dynamic. He is a switch hitter who can get on base. During the second half of 2021, he drew more walks than strikeouts. He finished the year with 27 home runs, 88 RBIs, and a .823 OPS.
In 2019 he launched a career-high 37 home runs and tallied 116 RBIs. He was named an All-Star that year. You would have to figure in the White Sox ballpark surrounded by lineup protection he could post similar numbers.
Bell does not address an immediate need but he would instantly make the White Sox better. When you’re trying to win a World Series, sometimes that’s worth the investment.