The 33 year old switch hitter agreed to a one year, $7 million contract with a mutual option, filling a substantial need for Minnesota after the team cycled through five first basemen last season
The Minnesota Twins have reached an agreement with veteran first baseman Josh Bell on a one year deal worth $7 million that includes a mutual option for 2027. The signing addresses a significant roster gap for the franchise, which struggled to find consistent production at the position throughout last season.
Bell’s compensation package includes a base salary of $5.5 million for the upcoming season, a $225,000 signing bonus and a $1.25 million buyout attached to the mutual option. Minnesota had been among just four organizations yet to add a major league free agent this offseason before finalizing Bell’s contract.
Production profile
The switch hitting veteran posted a .237 batting average last season with Washington while launching 22 homers and driving in 63 runs across 140 games. His performance represented improvement after a difficult start to the campaign, as he posted an .846 OPS during the final 79 contests of the year.
Minnesota’s first base situation proved problematic in 2025, with the team cycling through multiple players at the position and managing just 15 home runs from that spot in the lineup. The organization primarily alternated between Ty France and Kody Clemens, neither of whom provided the offensive impact the team sought.
Career trajectory
Bell brings 10 seasons of major league experience to Minneapolis, having accumulated 193 career home runs and 676 RBIs while maintaining a .256 career batting average. His track record includes five campaigns with at least 20 home runs and a National League Silver Slugger award from 2022 when he split time between Washington and San Diego.
The veteran’s best statistical season came in 2019 when he earned All-Star recognition and participated in the Home Run Derby. That year represented his peak offensive output during five seasons with Pittsburgh, where he played under current Twins manager Derek Shelton.
Offensive strengths and splits
Bell’s value stems from his ability to draw walks while maintaining manageable strikeout rates, generating quality at bats throughout games. His 12% barrel rate from last season marked his highest figure since that 2019 All-Star campaign, demonstrating his capacity to drive the baseball with authority.
As a switch hitter, Bell shows pronounced splits favoring his left-handed swing. Last season he posted an .804 OPS against right-handed pitching compared to .552 against lefties, with 18 of his 22 home runs coming from the left side of the plate. His road performance also significantly exceeded his home numbers at pitcher-friendly Nationals Park.
Defensive considerations
Defensive metrics have not favored Bell in recent years, and Washington utilized him primarily as a designated hitter during 2025. He made just 32 starts at first base compared to 97 appearances as the DH. Minnesota figures to deploy him in both roles depending on matchups and roster needs.
The organization has brought in established first basemen via free agency in each of the past three seasons. Both Carlos Santana in 2024 and Ty France in 2025 earned Gold Glove recognition at the position, setting a defensive standard that Bell may not match.
Future outlook
Minnesota finished 70-92 last season and placed fourth in the AL Central division. The roster features returning talent like center fielder Byron Buxton and emerging players such as second baseman Luke Keaschall. The organization also anticipates potential major league debuts from highly regarded prospects including outfielder Walker Jenkins and shortstop Kaelen Culpepper.
Bell represents the seventh franchise of his professional career, having previously worn uniforms for Pittsburgh, Washington, San Diego, Miami, Cleveland and Arizona. The Pirates selected him in the second round of the 2011 draft, offering a then-record $5 million signing bonus for that draft slot to convince him to forego a commitment to the University of Texas.
