Josh Bell Should Undoubtedly Enter and Win the Home Run Derby
By Seth Carlson
The bell-ringer of the Pirates lineup has made some noise this season. With 16 home runs, good for third in MLB, and a .339 batting average (2nd in MLB), Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell has morphed into a really well-rounded hitter in 2019, and it's getting him some attention in big league circles.
Crediting a more aggressive approach at the plate, it's clear the results have been tangible. While Bell is basically a lock for the National League in the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland, he should definitely throw his name in the ring for selection to the annual Home Run Derby. And yeah, about that power...
Josh Bell is the first player ever to hit TWO homers out of PNC Park and into the Allegheny River on the fly! pic.twitter.com/UWbb99NZqo
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 22, 2019
That kind of power plays in any stadium and Progressive Field in Cleveland should not be an exception. Not to mention, the increase in fly balls with warmer weather will likely result in even more chances for home runs.
PNC Park, Bell's home for 81 games a season, isn't the most hitter-friendly park itself, and yet he can still put up these incredible numbers.
A complete list of MLB players with 15+ home runs and 15+ doubles:
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) May 23, 2019
Josh Bell
With "Bell" tower power and a knack for big performances, there's no doubt Josh Bell is worthy of the home run derby spotlight. If he enters the contest, he's got as good a chance as anyone else.