The Minnesota Twins still have time to make moves before Spring Training, but their most major move of the offseason thus far was signing first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell. How will the former Washington National fit in the lineup, and how will the rest of the Opening Day lineup look? It will partially depend on whether Bell plays first or slots in at designated hitter, and whether the Twins bring in more infield help [https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-2026-opening-day-roster-projection-v-10-r19471/], per Twins Daily's Cody Schoenmann. "As things stand, Minnesota's primary infield configuration entering next season is clear-cut, with [Kody} Clemens at first base, [Luke] Keaschall at second, [Royce] Lewis patrolling third, and [Brooks] Lee at shortstop," he wrote. "Team decision-makers could bring in a right-handed-hitting corner infielder like Miguel Andujar or Rhys Hoskins to pair with Clemens at first. Unless and until that happens, though, the club's primary starting infield group is set." While Schoenmann predicted Clemens to be the primary first baseman, that was before the Twins signed Bell. Declan Goff of Minnesota sports podcast SKOR North has since predicted the following 2026 Opening Day lineup: 1. Luke Keaschall, 2B 2. Matt Wallner, RF 3. Byron Buxton, CF 4. Josh Bell, 1B 5. Royce Lewis, 3B 6. Trevor Larnach, DH 7. Ryan Jeffers, C 8. Brooks Lee, SS 9. Austin Martin, LF TWINS COULD ALTERNATE BETWEEN JOSH BELL, KODY CLEMENS Minnesota Twins first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell. © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/257cef08-a0d8-4fc9-86dc-5bdd4cc4bb6e.jpeg] Minnesota Twins first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell. © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Given that Bell is a switch-hitter, the classic righty-lefty platoon won't apply for him and Clemens. Minnesota can simply give more playing time to whichever player performs better over the course of the season. Bell has the better offensive track record, as he has a career slash line of .256/.342/.444 with 193 homers and 676 RBIs since he debuted in the big leagues in 2016. Meanwhile, Clemens is slashing .206/.263/.403 with 33 home runs and 100 RBIs across 265 contests since his first call-up in 2022. Additionally, Clemens played all of his games at second base last season and played just 15 at first for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024. On the other hand, Bell played 33 contests at first and 98 at designated hitter for the Nationals last season. The reason why Schoenmann projected Clemens at first before Bell was signed is likely because Keaschall is a higher-upside second baseman, as he slashed .302/.382/.445 over 49 games as a rookie last season. Clemens isn't a reliable enough hitter to DH, so playing at first is likely his only realistic chance at getting playing time with a fully healthy lineup moving forward. Bell isn't known for his defense, so shining on that side of the ball is likely Clemens' best bet. However, the Twins will have something to think about if both players hit too well to justify sitting them.
