Morning Briefing: Josh Bell Heading Back to Nationals
Good morning, Mets fans!
The Nationals are reuniting with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year deal worth $6 million. Bell spent the 2024 season with the Marlins and Diamondbacks, batting .249/.319/.405 with 19 homers in 603 plate appearances. An All-Star in 2019, Bell spent a little under two seasons with the Nationals before getting sent to the Padres along with Juan Soto at the 2022 trade deadline.
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In an exchange of former top-100 prospects, the Cubs sent first baseman Matt Mervis to the Marlins in exchange for speedy utilityman Vidal Bruján. Mervis clubbed 36 homers in the minor leagues in 2022 but has struggled to a .155/.222/.259 batting line in 127 major league plate appearances. Bruján received his most extensive playing time in 2024, batting .222/.303/.319 over 278 plate appearances for Miami.
Walker Buehler‘s contract with the Red Sox became official on Sunday, though it’s a little more complex in structure, Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports. Buehler’s base salary is $15 million and he received a $3.05 million signing bonus, plus there’s a $25 million mutual option for the 2026 season or a $3 million buyout.
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