MLB Insider Lists Astros Perfect Trade Fit for This Power Bat

Updated: Sep 10, 5:00pm UTC

The Houston Astros are viewed as a 2022 World Series threat, but they could use some help. They're only averaging 4.47 runs per game, which ranks 14th-best across the MLB, leaving general manager James Click looking for offensive help ahead of next week's trade deadline.

With several names on the move in the coming day, MLB insider Mike Petriello is listing Washington Nationals slugger Josh Bell as the perfect fit for the Astros. The talented switch-hitter is a free agent at the end of the year, making him a popular name among contenders.

Astros Trade Rumors

This isn't the first time that Bell has been tied to the Astros this season. Fellow baseball insider Andy Martino reported just last week that Houston was interested in adding the 29-year-old switch-hitter, so clearly there's legitimacy behind these rumors.

First baseman Yuli Gurriel hasn't had the same magic in the batter's box that he did last season. He's only batting .234 and his average exit velocity (87.5) is been below league (88.4), highlighting the need for a player of Bell's caliber.

Bell is having one of the better seasons of his seven-year MLB career, leading the Nationals with 51 RBIs while also racking up 13 home runs and 22 doubles. The Irving, TX native's .302 batting average is terrific, aided by the fact that he's striking out less (13.4%) than he ever has aside from his rookie year.

Plenty of contenders will be calling the Nationals regarding Bell's services. The Astros would be wise to inquire about him as soon as possible. After all, who'd want to face a playoff team that includes Bell, Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman?

Astros World Series Odds

Adding Bell to the lineup would be the perfect way for the Astros to solidify their contender status. For now, Houston has the third-best odds (+450) to win the 2022 World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbooks, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers (+330) and New York Yankees (+330).

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.