Josh Bell Signs With the Minnesota Twins

Published: Monday, December 15, 2025 at 3:27 pm

Minnesota Twins Bolster Lineup with Veteran Slugger Josh Bell

The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran first baseman Josh Bell, adding a proven hitter to their lineup for the upcoming season. Bell's journey to the Twins is a testament to his ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Early in the 2025 season, Bell struggled with a new swing, resulting in a dismal .137 batting average and a .503 OPS. However, he reverted to his previous approach, and his performance dramatically improved. From May onward, he hit .265 with an .807 OPS, showcasing the resilience that attracted the Twins.

The Twins are banking on the player who rebounded, not the one who faltered initially. While his overall 2025 stats show a .237 average and a .417 slugging percentage, advanced metrics reveal the potential the Twins are investing in. Bell's hard-hit rate reached 47%, his highest since 2021, indicating his ability to drive the ball. His expected slugging percentage of .497 was his best since 2019.

Beyond his power, Bell brings a valuable skill to the Twins: plate discipline. His 10.7% walk rate was above the league average, and he kept his strikeouts in check at 16.5%. This ability to get on base and put the ball in play is a significant asset for the Twins.

Bell's switch-hitting ability makes him a versatile addition, particularly effective from the left side, where he posted an .804 OPS. He is expected to bat fifth in the lineup, providing protection for key players. The projected lineup, with Bell in the heart of it, looks significantly deeper.

The Twins have approximately $20 million to spend this offseason, and Bell's signing could be the first of several moves. Acquiring a veteran bat who can get on base and hit the ball hard is a promising start for the Twins as they aim to contend in their division.

BNN's Perspective: The signing of Josh Bell appears to be a shrewd move by the Twins. While his overall stats may not jump off the page, the underlying metrics and his demonstrated ability to adjust and improve suggest he can be a valuable contributor. The Twins are taking a calculated risk, betting on Bell's potential to provide a significant offensive boost.

Keywords: Josh Bell, Minnesota Twins, MLB, baseball, signing, batting average, OPS, hard-hit rate, slugging percentage, walk rate, lineup, AL Central, veteran, switch-hitter, baseball news, sports news

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