A Match Made in Minnesota: Twins Ink Josh Bell to One-Year Deal
The Minnesota Twins have made a splash in free agency, agreeing to terms with veteran first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year, $7 million contract, according to sources. This move comes as the Twins look to fill a void at first base and designated hitter, and Bell is poised to bring a wealth of experience to the table.
But here's where it gets interesting... Bell's contract includes a mutual option for 2027, with a $1.25 million buyout, and he'll receive a $250,000 signing bonus and a $5.5 million salary in 2026. The deal is pending a physical exam, but sources say it's a done deal.
Bell, 33, has had a seesaw career, playing for six different teams in the last four years. Despite this, he's maintained a impressive track record, hitting .237 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs this season with Washington. He's a durable player, too, having played in at least 140 games in each of his eight full major league seasons.
The Twins are hoping Bell can bring some stability to their lineup, which has been in flux in recent years. With center fielder Byron Buxton, starting pitchers Pablo López and Joe Ryan on board, the team is looking to build around its core players. And now, with Bell on the roster, they're turning their attention to rebuilding the bullpen.
And this is the part most people miss... The Twins are operating with a modest budget, with president Derek Falvey saying they won't shed any more salary and are looking to supplement the roster with smart moves. With Bell on board, what's next for the Twins? Will they make another splash in free agency, or look to develop talent from within?
Dive deeper:
What's next for the Twins' bullpen?
How will Josh Bell fit into the Twins' lineup?
What's the impact of the Twins' modest budget on their roster moves?
