WASHINGTON – Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says the team is not ruling out a reunion with Ryan Zimmerman after acquiring slugger Josh Bell this week to play at first base.
The Nationals acquired the 2019 Pittsburgh Pirates’ Bell, a 2019 All-Star on Thursday for two launch possibilities, and Bell was introduced to Washington reporters in a video call on Saturday.
Rizzo praised Bell for his talent and makeup, saying the 28-year-old “exemplifies everything we are trying to do here in Washington”. Bell countered 0.277 with 37 homers and 116 RBIs, but fought the reduced 2020 pandemic.
“It fills a large part of our wish list for getting this intermediate stick,” said Rizzo.
It also leaves the door open for Zimmerman’s return after the 36-year-old man chose to leave the 2020 season because of concerns about his family’s safety in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. He told The Washington Post this month that he would like to return in 2021 for a 16th season in the big league – the previous 15 were all with the National.
The first base hitter hit 0.257 with six home runs for the World Series 2019 champions
“The acquisition of Josh Bell is not going to prohibit us from looking for a good right-handed hitter to get off the bench or play several positions,” said Rizzo.
“We have not yet ruled out a Zim meeting,” he added. “That skill set still fits our list.”
Bell said he would hardly mind being traded on Christmas Eve. He got a call from Pirates general manager Ben Cherington while working with his father, and after the deal went public, the stream of congratulations from friends and family about his move to a candidate gave the holiday an even more festive feel. .
“Lots of smiles,” said Bell.