4 Guardians players who shouldn't survive the deadline

Josh Bell

The Cleveland Guardians were hoping that Josh Bell's dropoff upon being traded San Diego late last season was just an anomaly and not an indicator of a steep decline in play. While Bell has been better in Cleveland (slightly), things have not quite worked out in a manner that everyone would like.

Bell was one of two "big" free agent signings by the Guardians this offseason that appear to be certified misses. The team already moved on from Mike Zunino due to poor performance and this is the same course of action they should take with Bell.

The 30-year old switch-hitting first baseman and designated hitter has a disappointing .232/.321/.379 slash line to go with what is currently his lowest OPS (.700) over a full season with one ballcllub (Bell's .669 with Pittsburgh came during the shortened 2020 season).

Moving Bell would open the DH spot full-time allowing Cleveland to rotate players in and out as needed. But motivations go beyond just freeing up a roster spot for the Guardians. Bell's contract with Cleveland has a $16.5 million player-option for next season attached. Considering that this is just what Bell is now as a player and him opting-in seems to be an inevitability, getting out from overpaying for next season should be a priority for Cleveland. There is just no way to justify Bell being on the books for next year and the front office should make every effort to move him ahead of the deadline.