Josh Bell is set to become the first baseman for the Minnesota Twins in 2026, following a deal that saw both the player and the team reach an agreement on a one-year contract, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. While the financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the addition of Bell is anticipated to provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup.
In his previous season with the Washington Nationals, Bell showcased his power by hitting 22 home runs with a batting average of .237, as well as an on-base percentage of .325 and a slugging percentage of .417 over the course of 140 games. Throughout his ten-year career, Bell has accumulated 193 home runs, with his best season occurring in 2019 when he hit 37 home runs. However, the context of that season has raised questions about whether Bell can replicate that level of success, particularly given speculation regarding whether the baseballs were “juiced” during that time.
Bell’s performance in 2025 was notably rocky at the beginning of the season, where he struggled severely for the first six weeks, batting only .137 with a .503 OPS. Nevertheless, a notable turnaround took place after he reverted to his former swing approach, drastically improving his numbers to .265 with an .807 OPS from May until the end of the season. This resurgence culminated in an even stronger finish, as he recorded an OPS of .845 over his final four months.
The Twins are likely to allow Bell to stick with his modified swing approach, which could maximize his impact within a lineup full of potential but inconsistent hitters. This addition brings a valuable switch-hitter onto the squad, enhancing the middle of the lineup that could become quite formidable.
Looking ahead, the Twins appear to be in a favorable financial position for roster improvements, with reports indicating they may have around $20 million to allocate for additional player acquisitions. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, the balance of youth and experience, led by Bell, could forge a promising path forward for the Minnesota Twins.