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Paul Goldschmidt could be an ideal Josh Bell replacement for the Twins

Signing a future Hall of Famer is always fun.
ByJackson Kruse
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Jul 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) reacts at first base during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) reacts at first base during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Twins don't necessarily need a replacement for Josh Bell. With four apparent starting outfielders (Byron Buxton, Luke Keaschall, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins), they don't need a full-time designated hitter. However, the Twins should still consider signing future Hall of Famer Paul Goldschmidt.

On the "Twin Cities Territory" podcast, former Twins reliever Tyler Duffey, who played for Minnesota from 2015-22, said Goldschmidt would be a good fit for the Twins.

"Goldy is a guy who's proven. He's the ultimate veteran, Hall of Fame candidate type player, and he's serviceable at first base," Duffey said. "He can help these young guys that are coming into their own and learn the game and how he attacks hitters. The guy won an MVP, he's played in New York now, he's done it under the brightest of lights. He's kind of checked every box you can, and he's not going to carry that huge premium price tag, I would think. That's right up the Twins' alley."

Paul Goldschmidt would be perfect platoon bat for Twins

The Twins could use Goldschmidt as a platoon bat, as the New York Yankees did this past season. Goldschmidt, 39, hit a remarkable .299/.393/.573 with 11 home runs in 157 at-bats against southpaws this year. He struggles against right-handers at this point in his career, slashing .213/.239/.351 in 188 at-bats against righties this year.

Since Jenkins and Rodriguez hit from the left side, Goldschmidt would be the perfect platoon partner for the young stars. Kody Clemens also hits left-handed, but he has earned the right to hit against southpaws regularly. Goldschmidt could serve as a DH and a first baseman for Minnesota.

In addition to his strong ability to hit left-handers, Goldschmidt would bring a much-needed veteran presence to the Twins' clubhouse. The Twins will be a young team next year, so Goldschmidt's experience could be a major help to the young players.

Goldschmidt has 16 years of MLB experience. He will likely be in the Hall of Fame, with 58.8 career fWAR and 65.1 bWAR. The veteran has hit 390 home runs and driven in 1,284 runs over his 16 big-league seasons. He is the 2022 NL MVP, a seven-time All-Star, a five-time Silver Slugger and a four-time Gold Glove Award winner.

After the Yankees were eliminated from the postseason by the Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series, Goldschmidt said he plans to keep playing next year.

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