The Twins and 1B Josh Bell agreed to a contract on Monday.
The Minnesota Twins and first baseman Josh Bell agreed to a contract on Monday, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
"First baseman Josh Bell and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a one-year contract with a mutual option, sources tell ESPN," Passan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Bell, 33, is a switch hitter who will play at first and DH for a Twins team making its first big league signing of the winter."
Josh Bell Joins Twins
The 33-year-old brings veteran prowess to a Twins ball club that is looking to bounce back following an up and down 2025 campaign. A former All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, Bell understands what it requires to find success at the MLB level.
He can handle first base duties as well, but also can contribute at a respectable level as a designated hitter. Passan reports that Bell will play both roles in 2026 with his new team.
Bell spent the 2025 season in Washington with the Nationals. He quietly had a fairly productive season, hitting 22 home runs and 16 doubles en route to a .741 OPS. His numbers have declined since his 2019 All-Star season and 2022 Silver Slugger year, but Bell is still a reliable offensive presence.
What the Signing Means for the Twins
For Minnesota, the signing represents a low-risk move. If it works out, then perhaps Bell can help the Twins return to the postseason. If he plays well and Minnesota struggles, the Twins could trade him ahead of the July deadline for prospects. If both Bell and the Twins struggle, it's a one-year contract with no long-term commitment, so they can move on without any long-term financial concerns.
The mutual option leaves the door open for a reunion in 2027 as well.
Bell may immediately become the starting first baseman or designated hitter. Players such as Kody Clemens and Edouard Julien can help matters as well, but Bell offers the most upside at first base.
Overall, the Twins are in an interesting position. There were rumors of a potential rebuild heading into the offseason. The idea was later shut down when it was revealed that Minnesota was planning to keep its stars after trade rumors swirled to begin the offseason. It appears that the Twins want to attempt to compete for a division title in the American League Central.
Minnesota is hopeful that Josh Bell will help the team accomplish that goal during the upcoming 2026 MLB season.