Minnesota Twins Decline Mutual Option On 10-Year Veteran

The Minnesota Twins have parted ways with one of their veterans in designated hitter Josh Bell, declining their end of a mutual option that was part of a one-year, $7 million deal he signed to join the franchise last offseason, according to Aaron Gleeman of Aaron Gleeman.com.

Bell wrapped up his lone season in a Twins uniform, slashing .255/.319/.419 and was a major contributor in the lineup, also driving in a team-high 96 runs. While the Twins' decision was disappointing given that he still hasn't found a long-term home, it was to be expected.

Entering his age 35 season next year, it's a toss-up if Bell can sustain his current level of hitting, so the Twins are right to be concerned as he is already at a point in his career where most players begin to fall off.

Furthermore, he hasn't brought much to teams other than his offense as a designated hitter hence why he's bounced around the league throughout his 10-year career, spending stints with Pittsburgh, Washington, San Diego, Cleveland, Arizona and Miami prior to joining Minnesota.

If the Twins can find a way to bring Bell back on a similar contract to the one they originally signed him to, they can maintain stability in their lineup along with that balance of youth and veteran experience. 

Bell mashed against lefties, hitting .273 and recording a .733 OPS while he hit a respectable .246 versus righties. Additionally, he stayed relatively healthy, appearing in 154 games this season.

Even though Minnesota missed out on the postseason, Bell launched his 21st home run of the year in their season finale against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 27, which the Twins won 6-4.

He would have one of his best games yet on Aug. 7, going 4-for-5 at the plate and knocking in three RBI as the Twins earned a road win over the eventual World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers.

With owner Tom Pohlad promising an increased payroll, a Bell reunion makes sense for Minnesota due to the life he brought to their offense. Still, the Twins' front office would be wise to move on should better options present themselves.

Besides Bell's promising season, the Twins also saw a great year from one of their younger pieces in Luke Keaschall who they could build around. The 24-year-old second baseman led Minnesota with a .282 hitting average, 149 hits and a .374 on-base percentage.

Losing Bell to another club would hurt, but Minnesota would be just fine if neither party can reach an agreement on a new deal.