Josh Bell reportedly signs one-year deal with Minnesota Twins to fill first base role (Image Via Getty) Josh Bell is heading to Minnesota. On Monday, December 15, the Minnesota Twins agreed to a one-year contract with first baseman Josh Bell, according to a report from ESPN insider Jeff Passan. The deal includes a mutual option, giving both sides flexibility after the 2025 season. Josh Bell, who is 33 years old, is expected to split time between first base and designated hitter as the Twins begin reshaping their roster for the new season in Minneapolis.The move marks the Twins’ first major signing of the offseason. Minnesota has been looking for experienced power in the middle of the lineup, and Josh Bell fits that need. The agreement comes as teams across Major League Baseball continue early offseason work following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Josh Bell joins Minnesota Twins on one-year contract
Josh Bell agreed to the deal on Monday, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reporting the news. While the Twins have not yet released full contract details publicly, the agreement includes a mutual option for an additional year. That option allows both Josh Bell and the Minnesota Twins to decide together whether to continue the partnership beyond the 2025 season.Josh Bell is a switch-hitter, which gives the Twins lineup added balance. He is expected to play first base regularly while also serving as a designated hitter, depending on matchups and health. Minnesota struggled at times last season to find steady production from those spots, especially against right-handed pitching.Bell spent the 2024 season with the Washington Nationals, where he appeared in regular-season games across multiple ballparks in the National League. He finished the year with a .237 batting average, a .325 on-base percentage, and a .417 slugging percentage. He also hit 22 home runs, showing he still has power despite being in his mid-30s.After the news broke, Passan wrote on social media that the Twins were “adding a proven switch-hitting bat with experience,” signaling the team’s focus on reliability rather than long-term risk.Josh Bell enters Minnesota with a long Major League Baseball résumé. Since making his MLB debut, he has played for the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cleveland Guardians. Josh Bell has recorded a .256 batting average, .341 on-base percentage, and .443 slugging percentage across 1,287 career contests. With 193 home runs and 676 runs driven in over his career, he has produced consistently across several seasons. Bell has also participated in high-pressure games, including postseason outings, which could benefit a Twins roster featuring several younger hitters. For Minnesota, signing means stability. The Twins hope for regular at-bats, basic power, and a serene presence in the clubhouse. Josh Bell’s one-year contract gives the team a chance to handle those demands without locking into a long deal and also lets Bell reset his value with a fantastic season in 2025.Also Read: Bo Bichette Contract Talks Hit Another Pause After Analysts Explain Major Risks Facing The Toronto Blue Jays