Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals hits a home run in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on July 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
With Ryan Zimmerman opting out of the 2020 season, the Washington Nationals used Eric Thames as their main first baseman. He hit .203 with three home runs for the year. When Zimmerman decided to come back and play part time for the 2021 season, the Nationals needed a first baseman to split time with him. They traded for Josh Bell.