The Minnesota Twins have bolstered their lineup with the signing of first baseman Josh Bell, who agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract on Monday, according to a source. Bell, a switch-hitting slugger, is expected to fill a crucial role at first base and designated hitter for the Twins during his 11th season in the MLB. With a strong track record of durability, Bell has played in at least 140 games in each of his eight full seasons, accumulating over 600 plate appearances five times. His best performance came with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019, where he was named an All-Star, hitting .277 with 37 home runs, 116 RBIs, and an impressive .936 OPS. Bell's career statistics include 193 home runs and a .785 OPS, primarily in the National League. He has also played for the Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres. The Twins' decision to sign Bell comes as a stopgap measure, as they have been in a state of flux with their payroll for 2026 and beyond. With team ownership working on adding new investment groups to reduce debt, the Twins' front office has a modest budget and won't shed any more salary. This means they can retain their All-Stars, including center fielder Byron Buxton and starting pitchers Pablo López and Joe Ryan, without trading them. The Twins' next focus will be on rebuilding their bullpen for new manager Derek Shelton, who will take over after the recent trading spree last summer.
