Last offseason, the Minnesota Twins had a few key holes to fill across the roster. Despite new owner Tom Pohlad talking a big game, the spending to fill them wasn’t exactly exorbitant.

That led to a disappointing 77-85 season in the first year under manager Derek Shelton. Within the first couple of months of the season, Shelton had basically reconfigured his entire infield, too.

While Josh Bell’s defensive limitations were known when he signed, he wound up being much more of a designated hitter than a first baseman. Now he’s not a Minnesota Twin at all.

Josh Bell mutual option declined with Minnesota Twins

Josh Bell was traded at the deadline in three of the last five seasons, so he has become used to being a short-term bat for a team. The Washington Nationals kept him through the 2025 season, and the MN Twins did the same in 2026.

His willingness to take one-year deals as a bat-first player is what landed him in Minnesota. His deal technically included a mutual option for a second year, and Twins insider Dan Hayes reported Friday that Minnesota declined its end.

Bell was signed to a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $7 million last offseason. The mutual option left both parties the opportunity to run it back for 2027 at $10 million. Barring an earth-shattering season, that was never going to happen. Instead, he walks away with his $5.5 million salary, a $250,000 signing bonus and a $1.25 million buyout.

Of course, there was nothing earth-shattering about Bell’s 2026. Across 154 games he batted .255 with a .738 OPS. Despite not golfing anymore, he had his usual slow start and wound up with a 106 OPS+, just above league average.

Bell blasted 21 home runs, one shy of his 2025 total. He has largely been the same producer since 2023 and shouldn’t have any issue finding a similarly constructed deal now as a free agent. Now 34, the former Twins slugger produced 0.7 fWAR this year. FanGraphs values his output at $5.6 million, but something in the $3-5 million range may be more realistic.

MN Twins first base questions remain

Josh Bell didn’t answer any questions at first base for the Minnesota Twins this season. He played only 20 games there. Royce Lewis handled the position most of the time, but Lewis is facing uncertainty of his own this offseason.

The former first overall pick was demoted to Triple-A over the summer and came back to finish with a .227 average and .667 OPS. He struck out a whopping 130 times in 125 games while drawing only 38 walks.

He played 684 innings at first base, the first time he manned the position in his career, and he was worth 1 DRS (defensive run saved) but -4 OAA (outs above average).

Lewis is projected for a $5.1 million salary through arbitration next season, so it’s possible Minnesota chooses to move on. The Twins got more production from Bell, even though he cost a bit more.

Meanwhile, former Twin Ty France signed a minor league deal with the Padres and had his contract selected at $1.35 million and is a finalist for a second-straight Gold Glove. Rolling the dice on a cheap option like that may be more fiscally responsible, and it could give both sides a fresh start.

Shelton doesn’t have a clear-cut option at first base next season, and if Lewis isn’t it, there are even more questions. Josh Bell hitting free agency doesn’t mean the Twins can’t sign him to a new contract. If they do, though, it won’t be to bring his glove.