Royce Lewis and Josh Bell are building a bond as they head into their first season together as teammates on the Twins.
The Minnesota Twins made one of their most notable offseason moves by signing veteran slugger Josh Bell to a one-year, $7 million contract with a mutual option for 2027.
The deal gives Minnesota a proven switch hitter to stabilize first base and designated hitter while also adding leadership to a roster that continues to blend youth with experience.
The 33-year-old has nearly 200 career home runs, an All-Star nod in 2019 and a Silver Slugger Award in 2022. His durability has been a hallmark, with at least 140 games played in eight straight full seasons, making him one of the more reliable bats available in free agency.
As Bell prepares for his first season in Minnesota, he is already building chemistry with one of the franchise’s most important young players.
According to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, “Bell said he knows Royce Lewis from sharing an agent and they're working out together in Texas soon. He has a good relationship with Derek Shelton from Pittsburgh days. Twins were the earliest team to call him in free agency.”
That early connection underscores how intentional the Twins were in pursuing Bell, and how quickly he has begun integrating with the team’s core.
For Lewis, the offseason training sessions carry added significance. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft has shown flashes of potential since debuting in 2022, but injuries have frequently interrupted his progress.
In 2025, Lewis posted a .237 batting average, .283 on-base percentage and .671 OPS with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs, though hamstring strains limited his availability.
The 26-year-old infielder remains central to Minnesota’s long-term plans, and working alongside a veteran like Bell could provide both mentorship and stability as he looks to stay healthy.
Bell’s presence also addresses a longstanding need for the Twins. First base has been a revolving door in recent seasons, with the club cycling through multiple options without finding sustained production.
By adding Bell, Minnesota gains a middle-of-the-order bat capable of protecting hitters like Lewis and center fielder Byron Buxton, while also offering the plate discipline and adaptability that have defined his career.
The Twins enter 2026 aiming to return to the postseason after missing out last year following a roster tear down at the trade deadline. With Lewis and Bell training together in Texas, the organization hopes that the pairing of youthful talent and veteran experience can help set the tone for a season built on both growth and consistency.