Veteran first baseman Josh Bell and the Twins have agreed to a one-year deal with a mutual option, a source told MLB.com’s Matthew Leach on Monday. The club has not confirmed.
Bell is set to be the fifth Opening Day starter at the position for the Twins in as many years. He’ll join a list that includes Miguel Sanó (2022), Joey Gallo (’23), Carlos Santana (’24) and Ty France (’25).
Bell, who has become somewhat of a journeyman slugger as a popular Trade Deadline target, appeared in 140 games for the Nationals in 2025, his first season since 2021 in which he spent the entire season playing for one team. And it was one of his best performances in years by some key metrics.
Bell’s 47% hard-hit rate was his highest since 2021, while his .497 expected slugging percentage was his highest since 2019. He clubbed 22 homers, tied for his most since 2021, while his .747 OPS was his highest over a full season since 2022.
But even when he’s not slugging, Bell has the ability to keep the line moving with his on-base skills. His 10.7% walk rate in 2025 was above league average (8.4%), while his 16.5% strikeout rate was significantly better than league average (22%).
He finished the season strong, too. Over his last 20 games, Bell hit .339 with six homers and a 1.083 OPS. That included a four-hit, two-homer, six-RBI game against the Marlins on Sept. 8.
While Bell is a switch-hitter, he was much more productive from the left side in 2025. He had an .804 OPS batting lefty, as opposed to .552 as a righty.
Bell spent the vast majority of his 140 games this past season as a DH and played 33 games (32 starts) at first in 2025.
