Chicago Cubs Rumors: Josh Bell signs with the Cleveland Guardians

After missing on free-agent first base target Jose Abreu last week when the former Chicago White Sox slugger signed a three-year deal with the Houston Astros for $60MM, the Chicago Cubs may have missed on another first base target as free-agent Josh Bell is signing a two-year deal with the Cleveland Guardians worth $33MM.

The Cubs did meet with the Bell's representatives at the Major League Baseball Owners Meetings in November but there had been no word on whether or not the two sides have met at the Winter Meetings this week.

Bell started the season with the Washington Nationals before being moved at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline in the same deal that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres. In 647 plate appearances between his time with the Nationals and Padres last season, Bell had a slash line of .266/.362/.422/.784 while posting a wRC+ of 123.

Bell's ability to switch hit provided the Cubs with a clear direction for their first base position in 2023 as the team also has prospect Matt Mervis in waiting at triple-A Iowa. Mervis is expected to have an opportunity at making the Major League team in Spring Training but the team is seeking a veteran presence in order to ease the transition for the 2022 breakout prospect.

With Bell no longer an option, Trey Mancini remains available in free agency. The Cubs are believed to have already met with Mancini's representatives once this offseason and the former Baltimore Oriole could be the fallback option for the team at first base.