Alexei

Bell

Bell was batting .171 (6-for-35) with one homer and two doubles over nine games in the Mexican League. The 32-year-old was reportedly declared a free agent last week and is free to sign with any team. He will now work out privately for teams instead of showcasing himself in game action.

The former Serie Nacional star has established residency in Mexico and has applied to Major League Baseball for free agency. Now 32, Bell’s peak years are behind him, but he should still draw a decent amount of interest from big league clubs. He batted .317/.363/.424 over 59 games last season in the Canadian-American Association.

Establishing residency outside of Cuba was the first step in becoming a major league free agent. Sanchez said Bell is expected to apply for free agency on Friday. The 32-year-old outfielder should garner some interest on the market, especially if he performs well in his open showcase in a few weeks. Bell batted .317/.363/.424 in 59 games last season in the Canadian-American Association.

This confirms a report from El Nuevo Herald earlier this week. Bell’s agent, Charisse Dash of DPX Sports, told Sanchez that his client left Cuba legally and has begun training at an undisclosed location in preparation for an open showcase for scouts in two or three weeks. Bell, 33, played 13 seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional and batted .317/.363/.424 with two home runs and 11 stolen bases over 59 games last season in the Canadian-American Association. He’s a few years removed from his peak at this point, but he still figures to draw some interest.

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reported Monday that Bell was on track for a showcase in the first or second week of February, but now we have a firm date. The 32-year-old is a few years removed from his peak at this point, but was one of the best players in Cuba for a stretch and should draw plenty of interest. Bell spent 2015 with the Quebec Capitales of the Canadian-American Association and batted .317/.363/.424 over 59 games.

Fellow Cuban Alexei Bell is holding his workout one day earlier. Linares posted a .311 average in 209 games before leaving Cuba last summer. Bell can sign with any team as an international free agent but the 26-year-old Linares is subject to spending restrictions because he doesn’t have enough professional experience.

The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Phillies, Royals, Blue Jays, Giants, Yankees, Marlins, Cardinals, A’s, Red Sox, Padres and Reds were the clubs there to watch, according to Rosenthal. MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez says that Bell “starred” in the showcase, hitting 15 homers between during batting practice and against live pitching. He could begin private workouts for teams soon, although Sanchez notes that the outfielder would need formal invitations from clubs in order to acquire a visitor visa. Bell is no longer at his peak ability at 32 years of age, but he could still be a productive major leaguer. He’s viewed as a right fielder.