Marlins Slugger Mentioned As Possible Option For Pirates To Boost Offense

The Pittsburgh Pirates still have time to add to the offense.

Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has been great and could get even better down the stretch. The Pirates have surprised some people this year and are right in the middle of the National League Wild Card race.

The Pirates are right in the mix and currently boast a 53-52 record with the trade deadline just over 24 hours away. Pittsburgh has the means to get a trade done and already added some more organizational depth by swinging a trade with the Boston Red Sox for their No. 6 prospect Nick Yorke. While this is an interesting move, it’s unclear if Yorke will see any time at the big league level this year.

Pittsburgh still could use some more firepower in the middle of the lineup and was mentioned as a possible option for Miami Marlins slugger Josh Bell by Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly.

“Marlins lose Josh Bell on waivers,” Kelly said. “According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Marlins placed Bell on waivers Sunday, which felt curious considering he’s had six home runs in July. This suggests that ownership’s No. 1 focus is trying to avoid paying the remainder of Bell’s $16.5 million salary, as opposed to trying to pay down some of it and get a lottery ticket in the lower levels of the minors.

“It hasn’t been a very good year for Bell, but the switch-hitting first baseman could help a variety of contenders, including the (Houston Astros), (Kansas City Royals), (New York Yankees), and Pirates. Whether a team claims him and just takes on the remainder of his money, or works out a trade with the Marlins, expect Bell to be on a new team soon.”

Bell could make sense for the Pirates. He is a one-time All-Star and was having a great month of July with the Marlins before being placed on waivers. Overall, he has clubbed 14 home runs this season to go along with 49 RBIs. If the Pirates want to add a little more, they should give the Marlins a call.

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