Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Josh Bell (first baseman)

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Josh Bell (first baseman) made an impact.

Josh Bell is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Washington Nationals in MLB. Prior to joining the Nationals, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He is an American professional baseball player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

August 2011: Signed with the Pirates

Shortly before the August 2011 signing deadline, Josh Bell and the Pirates agreed to a contract with a $5 million signing bonus, a record for a player drafted in the second round.

2011: Drafted by Pirates

In 2011, Josh Bell was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the MLB draft, receiving a $5 million signing bonus to bypass his college baseball scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin.

2011: Assigned to State College Spikes

In 2011, the Pirates assigned Josh Bell to work out with the State College Spikes, but he did not play in any games. He also participated in the Pirates' fall instructional league.

2013: Played for West Virginia Power

In 2013, Josh Bell played for the West Virginia Power, batting .279 with 13 home runs and 76 RBI in 119 games.

2014: Promotion to Altoona Curve, FSL Player of the Year

In 2014, Josh Bell started the season with the Bradenton Marauders and was promoted to the Altoona Curve on July 17. He was also named the FSL Player of the Year after the season.

2015: Promotion to Indianapolis Indians

In 2015, Josh Bell started the season with Altoona, then was promoted to the Indianapolis Indians at the end of July. He was added to the Pirates' 40-man roster after the season.

July 8, 2016: MLB Debut

On July 8, 2016, Josh Bell made his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates at the age of 23. He hit a grand slam in his second MLB at-bat on July 9.

2016: MLB Debut with Pirates

In 2016, Josh Bell made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2016: Began Season with Indianapolis

Josh Bell began the 2016 season with the Indianapolis Indians, batting .324 with a .407 on-base percentage in 83 games.

2018: 2018 Season Performance

In 2018, Josh Bell batted .261 with 12 home runs and 62 RBIs.

May 8, 2019: Home Run into Allegheny River

On May 8, 2019, Josh Bell hit a ball directly into the Allegheny River in PNC Park, a distance of 472 feet at 114.9 mph exit velocity.

June 30, 2019: Elected to MLB All-Star Game

On June 30, 2019, Josh Bell was elected to his first MLB All-Star Game. At that time, he was batting .302 with 27 home runs and an MLB-leading 84 RBIs.

2019: All-Star Selection

In 2019, Josh Bell was selected as an All-Star while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

December 24, 2020: Traded to Nationals

On December 24, 2020, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Josh Bell to the Washington Nationals.

2020: Traded to Nationals

After the 2020 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Josh Bell to the Washington Nationals.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

During the shortened 2020 season, Josh Bell hit .226 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs.

April 20, 2021: First Home Run with Nationals

On April 20, 2021, Josh Bell hit his first home run with the Washington Nationals.

August 2, 2022: Traded to Padres

On August 2, 2022, Josh Bell, along with Juan Soto, was traded to the San Diego Padres.

August 20, 2022: First Home Run for Padres

On August 20, 2022, Josh Bell hit his first home run for the San Diego Padres in a game against the Nationals.

December 12, 2022: Signed with Guardians

On December 12, 2022, Josh Bell signed a two-year, $33 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians, including a player opt-out clause after the 2023 season.

2022: Traded to Padres

During the 2022 season, the Washington Nationals traded Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres.

2022: 2022 Season with Nationals

In 2022, Josh Bell had a slash line of .301/.384/.493 with 14 home runs in 103 games for the Washington Nationals.

August 1, 2023: Traded to Marlins

On August 1, 2023, Josh Bell was traded to the Miami Marlins.

2023: Traded to Marlins

During the 2023 season, the Cleveland Guardians traded Josh Bell to the Miami Marlins.

2023: 2023 Season with Guardians

In 2023, Josh Bell batted .233 with eight home runs and 48 RBI in 97 games for the Cleveland Guardians.

July 30, 2024: Traded to Diamondbacks

On July 30, 2024, the Miami Marlins traded Josh Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2024: Traded to Diamondbacks, Signed with Nationals

During the 2024 season, the Miami Marlins traded Josh Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Then, during the 2024 offseason, Bell signed as a free agent with the Washington Nationals.