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Why Josh Bell Signing is Paying Off for Minnesota Twins Amid 11-8 Start
TL;DR
The Minnesota Twins signed veteran first baseman Josh Bell to a one-year, $7 million deal, and he is currently leading the team with 14 RBIs and an .807 OPS in their 11-8 start. Bell, who has a history of offensive productivity, may finally find stability after playing for four teams in three seasons.
Why Josh Bell Signing is Paying Off for Minnesota Twins Amid 11-8 Start
The Minnesota Twins didn't make any blockbuster moves this past offseason, but they did sign veteran first baseman Josh Bell to a one-year, $7 million deal. The 33-year-old is earning his money so far, as he has an .807 OPS and three homers with a team-high 14 RBIs through 19 games.
Bell is no stranger to being productive offensively. The 6-foot-3, 261-pounder has a .786 OPS with 196 homers and 690 RBIs over 1,305 career games. However, he played for four teams over the last three seasons, so he could finally find a long-term home if he stays hot. He has a mutual option on his contract for 2027.
Bell played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2016 to 2020, but he never stayed with the same squad for two full years in a row after that. The Pirates traded the 2011 second-round pick to the Washington Nationals in December 2020, who traded him to the San Diego Padres in August 2022. He then signed with the Cleveland Guardians three months later, who traded him to the Miami Marlins in August 2023.
The Marlins then sent Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in July 2024, and he returned to the Nationals in free agency that December before signing with the Twins a year later. Now, the 2019 All-Star is thriving on his new team.
That's been essential to Minnesota's 11-8 start, as he's been one of its best players. The club doesn't have the most stacked roster on paper, as center fielder Byron Buxton and starting pitcher Joe Ryan are the only proven, above-average players. However, players like Bell and center fielder Austin Martin (.947 OPS) stepping up have helped propel the squad early on.
Josh Bell Finds Different Ways to Contribute
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Josh Bell (56). Ā© Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images
Bell's versatility has been the key behind his success this year. For example, the Texas native homered in the Twins' 13-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals on April 1 and their 5-1 win over the Royals on April 2, but he also walked and scored twice in their 8-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. He didn't get a hit in the latter game, but he still had a productive outing.
Bell has four games in April with multiple runs, three with multiple hits, and four with multiple RBIs. He's second on the team with 10 walks, is third with 15 hits, and is tied for the lead in home runs.
Up next for the Twins is a home series against the Cincinnati Reds starting on Friday.
Q&A
How has Josh Bell performed for the Minnesota Twins so far?
Josh Bell has an .807 OPS and leads the team with 14 RBIs and three home runs through the first 19 games of the season.
What is the length and value of Josh Bell's contract with the Twins?
Josh Bell signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Minnesota Twins.
What teams did Josh Bell play for before joining the Minnesota Twins?
Before joining the Twins, Josh Bell played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins over the past three seasons.