“D-backs Secure Slugger Josh Bell, Red Sox and Yankees Boost Bullpens as Trade Deadline Approaches”
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached an agreement to acquire power hitter Josh Bell from the Marlins, while the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have strengthened their bullpens in preparation for the playoff push ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Bell, who is hitting .239 with 14 home runs this season, will be traded for cash considerations, though the deal has yet to be officially announced. The D-backs were prompted to make this move following an injury scare with starting first baseman Christian Walker, who left Monday’s game with oblique tightness and may face a stint on the injured list.
In other moves, the Red Sox have added right-hander Lucas Sims from the Reds, and the Yankees have picked up righty Mark Leiter Jr. from the Cubs. Sims, with a 3.57 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 35 1/3 innings this season, has been traded for 19-year-old prospect Ovis Portes. Leiter, who holds a 4.21 ERA in 39 appearances, was acquired in exchange for minor leaguers Ben Cowles and Jack Neely.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have also made a move, acquiring left-hander Josh Walker from the Mets for minor league lefty Nicolas Carreno. Walker has made 24 appearances for the Mets over the past two seasons.
As the 6 p.m. EDT deadline looms, several notable players, including Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and White Sox’s Garrett Crochet, remain on the market. Monday’s trades included significant moves such as the Cardinals acquiring right-hander Erick Fedde, the Brewers adding Frankie Montas, the Astros trading for lefty Yusei Kikuchi, and the Braves reuniting with 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler.