We have been waiting for the Minnesota Twins to make a move this offseason. The Winter Meetings turned out to be a bit of a bummer, as the Twins were one of the final four clubs to not sign a free agent.
But on Monday morning, Minnesota started off the week by turning up the stove with a big-time move. Minnesota's search for a first baseman is now over. Signing veteran switch-hitter Josh Bell on December 15, the Twins have finally come to terms with a free agent.
Minnesota Twins signs one-year deal with first baseman Josh Bell
First baseman Josh Bell and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a one-year contract with a mutual option, sources tell ESPN. Bell, 33, is a switch hitter who will play at first and DH for a Twins team making its first big league signing of the winter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 15, 2025
Bell, 33, will be the fourth different player aged 30 or older to be the primary first baseman for the Twins in as many seasons. Donovan Solano, who was 35 at the time, was Minnesota's main first baseman in 2023. In 2024, it was Carlos Santana (38), then Ty France (31) this past year.
There's something to be said about veteran experience at first base for Minnesota, but Bell could wind up being the most productive of them all. Bell has registered an above-average OPS+ every full season of his career, including 110 in 2025. Bell hit 22 home runs with the Washington Nationals last year with an elite walk rate, strikeout rate, and xwOBA. In 10 career MLB seasons, Bell has 193 home runs, 225 doubles, and a 114 OPS+. This will also be his second stint with an AL Central team, as he was with Cleveland in 2023.
The Twins' lineup is starting to come together slowly but surely. Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, and Luke Keaschall was already a solid core put in place for 2026, but adding a switch-hitter with discipline adds another layer.
What's next for the Twins? Minnesota could use another reliever or two, or perhaps another starter. But it's okay to celebrate Monday morning's signing of Bell as a win. Everyone knows the fanbase needed something to be happy about. This is an excellent start.