December 12: The Guardians have made it official, announcing that they have signed Bell to a two-year deal.
December 6: The Guardians have agreed to a two-year, $33MM contract with free-agent first baseman Josh Bell, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Bell, a client of the Boras Corporation, will be able to opt out of the contract after the first season of the deal.
It’s a short-term but lucrative annual deal for the 30-year-old Bell, who looked poised for a long-term commitment in free agency before a sluggish finish to the season following a trade to the Padres. The veteran switch-hitter opened the season on a tear with the Nationals and maintained that production into late July, but after slashing .301/.384/.493 with the Nats (143 wRC+), Bell hit just .192/.316/.271 in San Diego.
Ups and downs are nothing new for Bell, who at multiple points in his career has appeared on the cusp of solidifying himself as a star-caliber slugger, only to fall into a prolonged slump. Back in the first half of the 2019 season, for instance, the former No. 61 overall draft pick erupted with a .302/.376/.648 batting line and 27 home runs. That netted him what remains the only All-Star nomination of his career, but following the Midsummer Classic, Bell backtracked with a solid but unspectacular .233/.351/.429 slash.
His offensive doldrums spiraled out of control in 2020, when he turned in a career-worst .226/.305/.364 slash in the shortened 2020 season. Following that disappointing campaign, the Pirates sold low on the former top prospect by flipping his final two years of club control to the Nationals in exchange for righty Wil Crowe and minor leaguer Eddy Yean.
A month into Bell’s Nationals tenure, it looked to be more of the same, but he righted the ship in May. From May 1, 2021 through this year’s trade deadline, Bell came to the plate 945 times and recorded a stout .289/.373/.489 slash with 39 big flies, 46 doubles, an 11.5% walk rate and a 15.3% strikeout rate that’s far lower than many would expect from a 6’4″, 255-pound first baseman with 30-homer power.
In spite of that sizable frame and the clear raw power Bell possesses, however, he’s never really been a consistent power threat — at least not to the extent one would expect. The juiced-ball season in 2019 was his lone 30-homer campaign (37, to be exact), and his season-to-season home run totals have otherwise ranged between 12 (2018) and 27 (2021).
It’s hard not to wonder what might happen were Bell to commit to elevating the ball more, but that’s easier said than done for any hitter. Bell’s enormous 49.9% ground-ball rate is far higher than one would expect for a slugger of his stature, and he’s taken that mark north of 50% in each of the past three seasons, topping out with a mammoth 55.7% grounder rate in 2022. Since 2020, only five hitters in baseball have put the ball on the ground more frequently than Bell — a confounding trait for a switch-hitter with plus raw power. Three different teams have been unable to coax consistent power production from Bell, but the Guardians will give their best effort to unlock his maximum potential.
To be clear, Bell remains a well above-average hitter in the aggregate, even with the glut of grounders and a career punctuated thus far by peaks and valleys. Dating back to 2019, he’s been 20% better than the average hitter by measure of wRC+, and his career mark in that regard sits at 116 (16% better than average). Bell is a lifetime .262/.351/.459 hitter whose only below-average season at the plate came in the shortened 2020 season.
Also appealing to the Guardians was surely the fact that Bell, like so much of their team, is exceedingly difficult to strike out. No team in baseball fanned at a lower clip than the Guardians’ 18.2% last year — nor was anyone particularly close. Bell, who struck out at just a 15.8% rate in 2022, should fit right in. He’s kept his strikeout rate at 19% or lower each season other than that grisly 2020 campaign, and he’s also drawn walks in an excellent 11.8% of his 3406 career plate appearances.
All of that aligns well with Cleveland’s general offensive philosophy, and while it seems that Jose Abreu was the Guards’ first choice — Cleveland reportedly made him a three-year offer before he signed in Houston — Bell still adds some needed thump who can join Josh Naylor in splitting time at designated hitter and first base. Bell isn’t an all-world defender at first, but he’s improved his defensive ratings from sub-par to slightly above average in recent seasons, and the Guardians surely feel confident that he’s a reliable source of at least 15 to 20 homers with a robust on-base percentage. He’ll join Jose Ramirez as a switch-hitting, middle-of-the-order threat, continuing to give the Cleveland lineup plenty of balance.
If things go according to plan and Bell can ward off another prolonged slump to close out the season, he’ll be a strong candidate to exercise that opt-out provision and return to the open market a year from now. As previously laid out, the overall offensive track record for Bell is quite strong; had he not fallen into that San Diego swoon, he and Boras might have had a case for a contract upwards of five years in length. Depending on the extent of Bell’s success, the Guardians could even issue him a qualifying offer upon opting out.
We predicted that Bell would still be able to command a four-year deal around this AAV on our Top 50 free agent rankings, but the two-year term and opt-out provides some of the best of both worlds. If Bell performs well, he can collect a hearty salary in 2022 and try again for a lengthier deal a year from now. If not, he’ll at least have a second season around the going rate for a bat-first slugger of this nature. And, even if he forgoes the opt-out next offseason, a strong 2024 showing could position him for a multi-year deal.
From a payroll vantage point, Cleveland had ample room to plug him into the mix — history of low payrolls notwithstanding. Bell, assuming an even distribution of his $33MM guarantee, pushes the Guardians to just $35.3MM in guaranteed salary next season. Add in another $35.7MM in projected salaries for arbitration-eligible players (tip of the cap to MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz) and a slate of pre-arbitration players to round out the roster, and the Guardians will sit around the $87MM mark next season — at least as things currently stand.
The Guardians opened the 2021 season with just a $49.6MM payroll and were at $68.2MM to begin the 2022 campaign, but they won the AL Central in ’22 and are only five years removed from trotting out an Opening Day payroll of nearly $135MM. At least on paper, there should be room to make further additions, though that’ll depend on ownership’s willingness to further ramp up payroll as they look to repeat in a weak division.
Now pivot to Judge
Hahahah they not spending 330 hahaha
Good signing for the Indians, oops, I mean…whatever. No relation to Albert, gotta drop the “e” from Belle. Any cork in this dudes bat????
Shhhh, bad take by Milwaukee yet again
Of course. Should change his name to bad take.
Yeah, you are not the crazy one. It’s totally the other guy.
The Guardians finally won!!!
He signed with the Guards because of playing time assurances.
They’ve been in on virtually every notable name. The catcher will come via trade.
I knew they were in on him, but did not want to disrupt their negotiations. Solid signing.
Hey there fellow random dude….stop posting like you actually know stuff. You don’t.
Randomguy, you’re getting trolled really hard here. It’s making you look sillier than OIC. Thought I’d let you know.
I agree with your thoughts.
A switch hitter who has always been a full time player at a position that isn’t considered physically taxing who is also the best free agent at that position was concerned about playing time? Seems odd.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I like this move for the Guardians.
I like it too. Would love to see them follow it up with Haniger. Bell split time at DH, first with Naylor and Haniger. And Haniger can fill in in the out field for kwan/straw/Gonzalez to take a break. Plus he is there incase one of the kids regress.
It’s a good move. Only a two year deal, averages about 16.5 for a middle of the order bat that they really needed. It’s a very good move, I agree.
Well done Cleveland. Country strong, not enamored with diggers, doesn’t strike out all that much. He’ll definitely move along the table setters. Was hoping Os would have nab him. Drats. So Mountcastle sticks? If not, Santander moves to 1st or even a 6’3″ Gunnar Henderson?
I mean if you don’t want Mountcastle you can send him to platoon with Naylor and bell can just dh 🙂
@indianjoe; Interesting.
First, and please know very Amateur GM Hr here on my part, Mountcastle is a proven show level talent with team control. He looked different at the plate this year and not in a good way. I’m thinking Mt Waltimore doesn’t fit his launch angle stroke. IMO,he needs a change of scenery.
To get a Mountcastle the trade partner will be giving up what Baltimore needs which is show level SP. The Guardians have this but smartly don’t wanna give it up. So FA Bell at 16.5 per over 2 yrs leaves their pitching intact
I’m no gm, but Cleveland has a lot of pitching depth, guys like civale or plesac are replaceable. A bunch of fifth guys in the rotation, maybe some 4s all a lot cheaper than what the going rate appears. Mountcastle would be a depth piece, I doubt Cleveland would do it, but I would. Buy low and hope he goes back up in value
@Indhanjoe: agreed, envy your pitching depth.
Agree to disagree on Mountcastle. Not a depth piece. IMO, an everyday middle of the line up RH thumper in need of a change of scenery.
Wow. That’s a fancy contract coming from the Guardians. Oddly appropriate salary and years for the player. An all around solid deal. Color Me Bad- I mean, shocked.
You make it seem like Cleveland isnt well run. They might be cheap but they’re always well run.
The Guardians were a close second…wait..they signed somebody!?
Yes, the Guards successfully leveraged their negotiations with Judge to get Bell to commit now.
Fun fact:
Bell has roughly 600+ career Ks versus over 900+ with Judge . He just fits way more better than Judge with the way the Guards like to play
Is this a joke?
Solid signing.
Nice pick up Spiders! Bell is SOLID!!
You mean the Tribe!
Well good for Cleveland. I had him going to Houston
Well you were wrong wernt you
Sick burn bro
Why would he go to Houston?
He would go to Houston to be a winner, duh!
It’s a Yankees fan talking about the Astros, give him a break…he’s been calling the Astros daddy for 5 years now and can’t get them off his mind. His booty is raw from all those spankings.
Oh ouch. That was harsh. Good job.
Wow, actually sounds like the Trashros aren’t cheating anymore? Just as long as you’re sure.
Well, he probably made that guess before they signed Abreu. Take away the Abreu signing and Bell to Houston made a lot of sense.
Why would Houston sign him, they signed Jose Abreu.
Good sign, good term, good dude….
TCB.
Samuel’s mind will be blown!
The Guardians are too smart!! They only develop their own players!
TheDogDays;
Didn’t write that at all.
They develop most of their players.
The plan is to contend for at least 5 years. They paid a guy to play for a year or two. His salary will be chopped off when the youngsters they have establish themselves and are due more money.
That administration has done that before.
I think Bell will do well with Francona and in the Guardians environment. If he’s not injured he’ll have a good season and opt out.
This was a smart, measured move.
Samuel, relax— just a joke.
Cmon man, this is just baseball! Should be fun.
TheDogDays;
I agree.
But I have been ragged on here (as others are) when someone finds the exception to the rule.
I think both Cleveland and Baltimore are doing so many things right. Textbook in how to build a sustainable contending team on a small market budget..
Guards-O’s 2023 ALCS.
I definitely agree on the Guardians. Great manager, organization and have made some really good moves last few years.
Orioles in ALCS? No
Big money for a spare.
Stan:
Spare? Explain.
$16.5 mill is big money?
It is for Cleveland and 20 or so other teams.
Good low cost move by CLV
I’d rather be NY with Rizzo or PIT with Santana but good for CLE. Was awful in SD but when he is on he can be a huge bat. Can also make a throw now so decent enough defensively.
Your Dream:
Santana hasn’t been good for 5 years.
At only a two year commitment, this is a great signing for the Guardians. They needed one more middle of the order bat to go along with their young core. Bell is maddeningly inconsistent, but when he’s on he’s still a legitimate middle of the order masher. Relatively low risk/relatively high reward type of signing.
So much for Judge.
Okay? Are they hoping he can play 1B better than Owen Miller? Or are they just punting on defense at 1B? Because Naylor’s ankle means he shouldn’t be playing the field as much as he does.
His bat will play and he can handle 1b easy.
He can not do anything defensively “easily”
Was wondering that as well. Maybe Naylor is just full time bench player against lefties and they split 1B/DH vs righties.
If you watched the Guardians at all last year, you’d know that almost anyone could play 1B better than Miller.
Jon, Owen Miller is probably a better defender at 1B than at least half of the league’s 1B. He was actually quite solid defensively last season with 3 OAA, 3 RAA, and 1 DRS.
Miller could not catch the ball at 1B
He was hard to watch and will probably be moved in the trade for the C
My account:
Guess you never watched Miller play last year. He’s horrible at any position, but particularly 1B.
Having watched the Guardians for most of last season, the eye test does not agree, myaccount.
Bell is not a good defender, in fact he is below average. This will complicate the lineup because now you need him at 1B/DH and it will limit the rest the kids will get.
Did you see their lineup last year? Nothing will complicate it. They need anybody who can hit the ball even 90 mph. Jose Ramirez deserved MVP just for showing up to the ballpark.
Astros2017&22Champs;
They have been drafting and developing contact hitters. More coming.
Hence the low K rate and high W rate.
Saw over 100 games. I agree they need a bat and because of this they will severely weaken their amazing defense they played last year.
Severly?? The defense at 1B was average at best last year anyway…it didn’t get worse with Bell. We needed a power bat behind Jose pure and simple. Bell was the best one left on the board. Can finally sit Naylor against LHP. If he hits, fine he will opt out and we move on.
Good signing here and possibly puts more incentive on a Sean Murphy acquisition. You got the prospects Cleveland, Murph is yours if you want him.
Since the Guards got bell, we could see Josh Naylor & prospects for Murph.
That’s very possible, especially after Naylor’s rock the baby against the YANKEES
He could help get the A’s a little more energized, no doubt there. He is also very good.
Oakland:
Neither Naylor is going anywhere.
Carlos Santana 2.0
Gummy Mummy 3.0
Go film yourself off a tee some more
I’ll film with you if you’re picking up when I’m spraying down
I wasn’t talking about you, Bud.
I was talking about you though, bud
Not even close
Hope he turns it around in CLE. His audition in SD didn’t quite work out like anyone envisioned…
HiredGun23;
Playing for Francona and the Guardians is not like playing for the Padres…..or most ML teams.
Very few players leave and do better elsewhere. They get the best out of players.
I don’t think Cleveland has that magic wand that you think they do or they’d have a little more success.
They had the 3rd lowest payroll in the entire sport last year and took the Yankees to a deciding game. They were a run away from winning a championship in ‘16. They have the best manager in the game. Cleveland maximizes their ability. They’re just poor. MLB is designed for failure
They likely have a bottom…..let’s say 8 payroll since 2010 and likely have a top 5 winning percentage, with multiple Division crowns, and a pennatt
“I don’t think Cleveland has that magic wand that you think they do or they’d have a little more success.
DTD/ATL1313;
They went to the WS in 2016. They have one of the best W-L records the past 5-7 years in spite of doing a rebuild on the fly for 2 of the last 3. In 2022 they had the youngest team in MLB and came within a game of the AL Championship series.
Their problem – like the Orioles – is that they don’t have players that create controversy, show off, etc. They have young players that just play solid, smart, opportunistic fundamental baseball.
Last year most people that follow the sport think the team had a fluke year in a weak division, and lucked out in the playoffs to get as far as they did. What they’re missing is that the Guardians had either the best or one of the 2 best records in coming from behind and winning games from the 7th inning on. The game’s about winning, not overall statistics or perceptions. That team is set up to do just that, and the strategy during the game by Francona accomplishes it. Forget the depth chart. Francona uses most of his 13 position players each game as well as 4-6 pitchers.
since opening day 2015, they have the 4th best W/L % in MLB, and have made post-season 5 times – only 6 other teams have been 5 or more times in that period.
I agree that certain managers and coaching staffs are, to a degree, more beneficial to a players development than others but a player still has to produce when given the opportunity to…don’t ya think?
HiredGun23;
And…..
Josh Naylor didn’t do well in his “audition in SD” either.
It’s not rotisserie baseball. Players are affected by the environment they play in just like all of us are affected by the environment we work in.
I like Josh Naylor and wish he’d stayed in SD. No arguing that but we shall see how well Bell does this upcoming season with a spring training under his belt and one of the best coaching staffs in the game…
Totally agree. The obsession with metrics (they are useful, but can go too far) leads analysts to forget that players are humans. Sometimes I see people say “so and so should bat 2nd because he’s the best hitter on the team and that’s where you bat the best hitter”. On paper, I get it, but some guys just aren’t comfortable hitting there. There may be no reason for it other than the player in question has hit 3rd or 4th their whole life and they are psychologically more comfortable there. Things like this need to be taken into account. Games are not won or lost on spreadsheets. Information is good, but in the moment, the human element takes over.
Switching teams midseason is difficult. Some guys take longer to settle in. I think he’ll be alright. He was very settled in Washington and was playing very well there.
None of the big bats in FA want to go to SD. No one wants to hit there half a season.
Yawn
Glad I had Bell going to CLE in the FA contest.
(In truth I had no one going to CLE in the FA contest.)
The Guardians lol prediction they ain’t winnin it Bell Chimes donnnnnggg!!!
That would have been a great signing for Detroit, but it seems like they are not going to contend for at least 3 years.
It sucks to be a Tigers fan right now.
Bell would have been an asinine signing for Detroit. They need to find out if Torkelson will be able to hit MLB pitching. Since he can only play 1B, this position is spoken for (until he falters, if he does).
Gruß,
BSHH
Notoriously streaky. Terrible defense. He’ll carry a team or he won’t hit his weight. One or the other.
Was really happy to see this and had an interesting thought…what do the Guardians wear as throwback jerseys?
Gary Bell ? Buddy Bell ?
Probably old Indians designs with the logo and name changed. Just like their current uniforms.
He couldn’t hit when being surrounded by all that talent in SD. He will really crash and burn in Cleveland where he will have very little protection in that line up . Bad signing
Forwhomjoshbelltolled will like this signing.
I think it’s good for the Ind…Guardians too. (I am still not used to it)
Nailz:
He did fine in Pittsburgh and Washington. Your statement is rubbish.
As long as he hits better than .198 against lefties he is an improvement.
The Guardians got their guy! They did something!!!
It’s a worthwhile signing for a franchise like Cleveland because it’s short-term, didn’t cost them much, and he has upside. He’s so inconsistent that it wouldn’t shock me if it ends up turning into a bad signing, though.
They went after Abreu then got Bell. Nice.
Bell always has been a enigma…when you see him playing you think he’s one of the best 1B options out there, then you look at his stats and notice he disappears in big moments.
Was hoping the Cubs would have signed Bell.
That was my pick.
Only a matter of time before he’s wrongfully incarcerated because it’s Cleveland and that’s what they do there
Lol. What ?
I hate it when Boras pulls these opt out deals on small markets.
they’re hoping he opts out. they have 1B help coming in the minors, but not next year.
Maybe they need to offset the salary by moving Rosario. Call Mo and make a deal.
Perry is already on the phone.
The ink on the contract isn’t even dry yet and already the Guardians are hoping he opts out
Strange to add a me-first mentality player to a clubhouse that seems rather close.
Is he really that kind of guy?
It’s true, the Guardians had great chemistry last year- it was a fun team to watch.
What have you heard that makes you say Bell is a “me-first mentality player”? I hadn’t heard that.
Pete’s:
He just made it up.
It was inevitable that he would go there. Keeping a hold on the Central when all the teams are mired in sub or .500 status. His power may not play on the west coast, but he’ll have plenty enough for the Central. Another Indian win for them. Well, Detroit did bring back a pitcher, but who’s going to hit ? Come on 7/11, maybe they’ll hit the lottery, haha..
MPrck;
The team is being built for the playoffs.
These opt-out clauses are freaking annoying. Sign them up! These are the years! Earn it! So dumb giving these guys outs! That’s why you sign these guys… in hopes they will perform for YOU! So much darn coddling, it’s ridiculous!
You really don’t understand how these things work do you. Bell couldn’t get the 4 or 5 year deal he wanted. He has ONE big contract left. He needed to find a place where he can try to rebuild his value and try FA again next year if he does. If he stinks up the joint he still has a deal for the owing year and can try again.
Cleveland will be fine with either outcome.
I know how it works. thanks. regardless of your extra info, him building value should be more of the team benefit. not his. he is signing a contract with a team. honor it
He will be honoring it. The Opt-out in in the contract right?
odd/bold move and makes me wonder what this means for Josh Naylor and if this is preemptive for a Murphy trade? They’re not going to pay Bell $16+ mill a year to platoon and I honestly thought Naylor played a solid 1B. Surely they’re not going to break up the Naylor Bros?
I agree with you. I want to see the Naylor brothers in Cleveland for a while as well. I live in Ontario not far from where they are. I’m close to Port Hope where Cal Quantrill is from too.
Go Guards!!
There is the dh spot too…it’s not one or the other. There is plenty of room for both
Francona gets all players involved.
Both Naylor and Bell will get at least 450 PA’s if they’re healthy.
It means Naylor can finally sit against LHP.
Will he be the Josh Bell of Washington or the Josh Bell of San Diego. Saw him tear up the first half in Pittsburgh in 2019 and then crash and burn in the 2nd half. He continued the funk in 2020. Will be interesting to see how he does in Cleveland
Least Preller didn’t bring him back
That’s one heck of a lot less than anyone predicted he would get. Guess his collapse in San Diego depressed his market.
Cleveland spending $33MM is bigger news than the Dodgers spending $300MM!
This guy takes roids. In his press conference with San Diego his forearms didn’t look normal. Probably learned from Aaron Judge and yes I’m a Yankee fan
They’re all on steroids
Steroids made Judge grow tall !
Bauer claims Trout takes roids and I for one believe it
Maybe I’m different, I need some more proof.
Really like this deal for ‘Guards. The guy I wanted for them. Fits great into what they are doing. Now, let’s go get a catcher upgrade not named Murphy and some pitching depth and maybe a flyer on Alex Reyes.
When Josh Bell gets 33 mil for two years, there is not much hope for most of baseball to consistently field a competitive team any longer.
Weird. I thought Josh Naylor was a decent 1B. And why give this guy an “opt out”….because he thinks he is better than this contract? LoL
stroh;
If you can’t see them play, check the box scores and see how Francona – as the Rays do – get all their players involved.
Throw out the depth chart and any preconceptions that come with it.
OK, for real, I finally have to change this name. Like I meant to 3 teams ago.
LOL
Career splits are not bad:
Vs right: .269/.357/470/827
Vs left: .244/334/433/767
I’m glad to see Cleveland doing at least something this offseason. Now let’s go get Sean Murphy from the A’s and we’ll be in great shape ready for next season.
Go Guards!!
Rather trade for Bryan Reynolds, then sign Hedges again to pair with Bo Naylor.
As a Padres fan, I was really fired up when they got Bell (along with Soto, of course)..but he was awful for the Friars. Hope he pulls it together and finds some consistency.
Sure wish Milwaukee had signed Bell. Oops, I forgot. He doesn’t fit the Brewers’ image of their type of ballplayer. Yet, they’ll trade for someone like Winker.
The only question with Bell is whether it will be the 1st half or the 2nd half that he’ll be great? He has a pattern, but being ridiculously good for about 80 games, and pretty bad for another long stretch – usually the 2nd half. If he ever figures it out for the full year he’ll put up Freddie Freeman numbers – but that seems pretty unlikely… obviously.
I like it. He was #8 on my RS wish list at $42M/3.
Too streaky to commit a long term deal with. If he’s even average for the whole year expect him to opt out.
“as they try to repeat in a weak division’. Steve makes it sound as if that’s the reason they won it last year.
Glad the Guards hit their goal on the GoFundMe and are able to make this deal official!
Guy peaked last year before the trade deadline and went in decline in San Diego. Cleveland is probably getting a .250 hitter that hits 20 HR or so. I guess for a low budget team, that’s fine but I wouldn’t be interested.
That small sample size in San Diego is far too small to mark the beginning of a permanent decline.
I thought he was a good fit for the Cubs. The middle of their order needs some punch, especially with Contreras gone.
This and the Kershaw signing delay make me wonder why there is such a variety of delays between reporting a deal and officializing it.
Medicals and the holidays.
He got a very interesting contract. On MLB Network radio this morning they said its $12.5 million the first year, $20.5 million the 2nd if he doesn’t opt out.
1st year is a good deal for the Guardians. If he follows the hot 1st half pattern we saw last year and for his career as a whole then if they are in contention they take a chance on his bat in the 2nd half and if not they trade a hot bat.
That 2nd year is around where the QO will be. Going to be an interesting decision for Bell if he has a good year and a great deal for him if he has a bad 2023.
I would love a Joey Gallo deal like this. 2 Years and 20 million with 5 million the first year and a player option for the second year
It would be really cool if the MLBTR Writers could put (Update) in the headline when someone has already been signed and they are merely saying it has been made official. Seeing “Guardians Sign Josh Bell” appears as if he agreed to a deal 15mins ago. Thanks.
I still say this is a sneaky good signing for CLE. Bell was underrated in this market.
Definitely underrated. His deal proves it. But with the opt out? Maybe he gets a 5/100 contract if he has a good year?…heck, maybe 6/150.
It is good to see the Guardians becoming active. But a guarantee of $ 33m seems like a lot for Bell, who is not an overly consistent hitter. On the other hand, the FA market has already been emptied a bit.
Gruß,
BSHH
Good fit for Guardians. Their offense is about making contact with the ball. IE not striking out. It’s not dinger eccentric. Bell meets this criteria and then some. I’m thinking he had offers to chose from. He went with Cleveland because they told him they like his swing just how it is. Go get your hacks in there big fella! Welcome.