The Cleveland Guardians made a key move to strengthen their roster for 2023 on Tuesday, signing slugger Josh Bell to a two-year, $33 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after the first year of the deal.
After surprising many around the baseball world by winning 92 games and capturing an American League Central division title, the Guardians have proven their desire to win in 2023.
The team took care of the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card round before falling just short in the ALDS against the 99-win New York Yankees.
On Twitter, a Guardians analyst offered praise to the team’s front office for the Bell signing, as well as explaining how the deal could work out in Bell’s favor.
Good deal for both sides .. @CleGuardians get the power bat they need with incentives for Bell to have a great year .. Bell gets a great spot to perform in a park that should suit his swing well. https://t.co/dEYzKr7WEs
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) December 6, 2022
Guardians Get Their Man
The Guardians came into the offseason in need of a power bat.
With the addition of Bell, the Guardians have checked that box.
Bell hit for a .266 average during the regular season and crushed 17 home runs.
The 30-year-old has earned a Silver Slugger Award and an All-Star selection over the course of his six-year career.
The veteran was acquired by the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto deal at the trade deadline.
With Bell in the fold, the Guardians finally have their power bat and have somebody who can either slot in at the DH position or play first base while Josh Naylor handles DH duties.
The Guardians got a taste of success in 2022 and have made it clear that they want more in 2023.
The Winter Meetings wrap up today, but the Guardians got their man.
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