Minnesota Twins designated hitter Josh Bell is having a strong month, slashing .297/.361/.453 with three home runs, one double and eight RBI over 17 games. He went 3-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and two RBI in Minnesota's 8-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday.
However, the Twins still shouldn't bring Bell, who is set to be a free agent this offseason, back for 2027. He's been solid but not amazing this year, hitting .258/.320/.421 with 20 home runs and 91 RBI. If the Twins needed a DH for next year, then it'd make sense to bring Bell back. However, if Minnesota re-signed the slugger, Bell would take a roster spot that would be better used for a younger player.
The Twins should want to work outfielders Byron Buxton, Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Luke Keaschall into the lineup regularly next year. With only three outfield spots, the Twins could rotate the four outfielders at DH. The Twins could also use Keaschall as a full-time DH, as he is a poor defensive outfielder. Not to mention, the Twins also have top outfield prospects Gabriel Gonzalez and Hendry Mendez in the upper minors. Long story short, the Twins don't have room for Bell on the 2027 roster.
If Bell were a strong defensive first baseman, one could argue the Twins should bring him back, especially since it may be time for Minnesota to say goodbye to Royce Lewis. However, Bell is an extremely poor defender at first base, which is why he has appeared in just 20 games at the position this year.
Josh Bell has been a solid hitter for Minnesota, but the Twins still shouldn't bring him back
On the other hand, Bell has been an above-average bat for the Twins this year. But because he can pretty much only play DH, he has been worth less than 1.0 fWAR this season. He can be a game-changer when he's hot, but Minnesota still shouldn't re-sign him. He'd be a solid pinch-hitter option for next year's team, but it's doubtful he'd be willing to sign somewhere he wouldn't receive regular playing time.
At 34, Bell appears to have several seasons left in his big-league career if he can keep swinging the bat well. He will likely have to keep settling for one-year deals for the remainder of his career due to his age and poor defense.
Bell has had a solid MLB career. Since making his big-league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016, Bell has posted 10.2 fWAR and a 111 wRC+ with 213 home runs. In addition to the Pirates and Twins, the switch-hitter has played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks.
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