Perhaps the best part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Break has nothing to do with watching the game’s best take the field at the same time or MLB’s top sluggers launch balls into orbit during the Home Run Derby.
Instead it is getting the opportunity to watch the showcase game for the next wave of young superstars known as the Futures Game.
And just like years of the past, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be represented, this time by outfielder Josh Bell.
The former second-round pick is having a monster season at High-A Bradenton.
Bell had a decent 2013 season with the West Virginia Power, but has seemed to really put it all together this season with a .335/.385/.518 slash line, hitting nine homers while driving in 47 runs in 272 at bats.
He should make his way to Double-A this season and potentially Triple-A next, but will it be in the Pirates organization?
Naturally Bell’s path to Pittsburgh is blocked by the likes of Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen and Gregory Polanco. That alone should make him a serious trade candidate and someone that Neil Huntington could seriously dangle as bait to potentially land a big piece at the trade deadline.
For now though Bell is a Pirate and his selection to the Futures Game is something that should be acknowledged.
The Futures Game will take place at Minnesota’s Target Field on July 13. You can watch Bell and the rest of MLB’s future stars on MLB Network at 5 p.m. ET.
Photo Credit: Bradenton Marauders
