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Offishial news, 12/25/20: Marlins killer comes east; year-end sale

Plus some wholesome holiday-themed social media posts from Marlins players.

@magneuris_sanchez/Instagram

Nats get big bat

Pittsburgh Pirates v Miami Marlins Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

In one of the most notable trades of this slow-as-molasses MLB offseason, the Nationals acquired Pirates first baseman Josh Bell on Thursday in exchange for pitching prospects Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean.

Based on the Twitter replies, Pittsburgh fans are aggravated to lose one of the only former All-Stars on their roster. On the other hand, Baseball Trade Values considers this a major overpay for the Nats due to Bell’s lousy 2020 season and rising salary.

Last summer, Washington relied mainly on Eric Thames and Asdrúbal Cabrera to patch together the first base position after Ryan Zimmerman opted out of playing. Thames, Cabrera and Zimmerman are all currently free agents in their mid-30s; Bell is only 28 and will remain under club control through 2022 via arbitration. Although Bell is a big defensive liability, there’s still a decent chance of the universal designated hitter being implemented for 2021. The industry consensus is that it will be made permanent the following year as part of the new collective bargaining agreement.

Bell has obliterated Marlins pitching in the past, posting a .338/.417/.620 slash line in 84 plate appearances (20 games).

Up to 50% off FOCO Marlins products

From now through the end of 2020, FOCO is celebrating with an online sale. Get an authentic Marlins on-field gameday gaiter scarf for $9, a three-pack of face covers for $12.50 or a Game of Thrones-themed ice dragon bobblehead for $25.

Shop the rest of their collection here.

Walk-off links

  • It’s the launch of a new mini series within the Fish Stripes podcast, taking stock of the dwindling population of Marlins players remaining from the Jeffrey Loria ownership days.