Josh Bell. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Twins reveal their plans for 2026 by adding former All-Star Josh Bell

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 15, 2025 11:15 AM ET

Despite having a fire sale at the trade deadline by trading away 10 players from their major league roster, the Minnesota Twins didn't hit 100 losses (70-92) in 2025. That could change in 2026, as the Twins could challenge the 2025 Colorado Rockies (43-119) or even worse, the worst team of all time, the 2024 Chicago White Sox (41-121).

Considering that, as well as the dark cloud of ownership constantly meddling in the affairs of the everyday baseball operations, the Twins aren't likely to be spending big in free agency. They showed this intention by agreeing to terms with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Bell marks the Twins' first big-league free-agent addition this winter, and he will likely be their everyday first baseman while getting some time at DH. Bell, 33, spent his 2025 season with the Washington Nationals, playing in 140 games and hitting .237 with an OPS of .741 and mashing 22 home runs.

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

Twins' signing of Josh Bell signals another potential fire sale at 2026 trade deadline

The Twins still have some valuable assets to trade ahead of the season, such as their two All-Stars from 2025, right-hander Joe Ryan and centerfielder Byron Buxton, who has signaled his unwillingness to waive his no-trade clause. However, given the state of the team and where they may be by the trade deadline, Buxton could be singing a different tune.

Bell joins that list, which will grow as the Twins look for more players on the margins to sign. Bell will be looking to get back to his 2022 self, when he hit .266 with an OPS of .784 between the Nationals and the San Diego Padres and was a Silver Slugger. If Bell can get anywhere close to that type of player, the Twins are likely to get a decent, big league-ready starter back in return.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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