The New York Mets and Houston Astros are pursuing Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline, according to Andy Martino of SNY.
However, the Nationals don't like the idea of trading Bell to the NL East rival Mets, reports Martino.
New York is also reportedly interested in Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Daniel Vogelbach, Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron, and Baltimore Orioles veteran Trey Mancini.
Bell, who's eligible to test free agency after the 2022 campaign, is slashing .311/.390/.504 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs over 93 games this season. The 2019 All-Star is also a switch-hitter.
For the Astros, adding Bell would give the club a switch-hitting option in a lineup filled with right-handed bats. Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker are the only left-handed regulars, while Michael Brantley is currently injured.
