Skip to content

Pirates' Josh Bell: Focusing on move to first base in 2017

General manager Neal Huntington said he's focused on deploying Bell at first base in 2017, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis:

After starting 2016 in Triple-A, Bell finished the season in the majors, slashing .273/.368/.406 over 128 at-bats while splitting time between right field and first base for the Pirates. Although he struggled on defense at times last season, the 24-year-old only began playing first base in 2014 due to Pittsburgh's outfield depth with Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, and Gregory Polanco. In anticipation of Bell grabbing hold of the starting job at first base, the Pirates have kicked around the idea of moving John Jaso to third base. Bell should start out on the strong side of a platoon with David Freese, but given his pedigree and long-term upside as a hitter, he should eventually earn everyday at-bats, although that may not happen in 2017. Without having to worry about position changes, the switch-hitter could be poised for a breakout year at the plate.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox