Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Josh Bell will be moving to first base during the Arizona Fall League this off-season, according to Rob Biertempfel and Tom Singer. Bell was one of several top prospects named to the team earlier today. The move is somewhat expected, since Bell doesn’t really have a future in a Pirates’ outfield that includes Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, and Gregory Polanco.
Bell moved up to Altoona this year, but will miss the end of the season with a left knee bruise. He should return to Altoona to start the 2015 season, and likely will be playing first base if all goes well this off-season. Bell could be in the majors by mid-season if he hits well enough. The Pirates have a lot of options at first base, but no real long-term solutions. Bell looks to be the best bet in the system for a long-term answer at the position. He has the upside of a .300 hitter who can hit 25-30 homers per year.
