The Cleveland Guardians are preparing for the 2023 season after surprising many baseball pundits in 2022 with a division title.
As they prepare for 2023, they’ll do so with two new additions, Josh Bell and Mike Zunino.
Bell has been their big addition thus far, having signed a two-year, $33 million contract.
The 30-year-old spent the 2022 season with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.
The veteran first baseman hit 17 home runs and hit for a .266 average during the regular season.
On Tuesday, the slugger was asked about what drew him to the Guardians this offseason.
“I think it was a perfect storm, a lot of things pulling me in this direction,” Bell said.
"I think it was a perfect storm, a lot of things pulling me in this direction."
Josh Bell has plenty of reasons to be excited about joining the @CleGuardians.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/bDSF39ahJO
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) December 13, 2022
What Drew Bell To Cleveland
Bell seems excited about joining the Guardians, and there are plenty of reasons why.
The team outperformed all expectations in 2022, winning 92 games and ultimately running away with the American League Central.
Bell cited the fact that the Guardians were heavy underdogs most of the year as one of the many reasons why he wanted to join the team.
The slugger also mentioned the elite pitching that the Guardians possess.
At the top of the rotation, the team features a solid one-two punch of Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie.
Bell will slot into a prolific lineup that already includes Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan, Oscar Gonzalez, Andres Gimenez, and Josh Naylor.
The veteran mentioned that he was excited for the opportunity to have several runners on base ahead of him, which is something that players such as Kwan can provide.
The Guardians look strong heading into 2023, and Bell should be a key addition.
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