The Minnesota Twins are facing a critical roster decision regarding veteran designated hitter Josh Bell, who is signed to a $7 million contract for the 2025 season. According to reporting from The Sporting News, the team is under pressure to designate Bell for assignment as his offensive production has stalled, despite the club remaining within 3.0 games of an American League Wild Card spot.
Why is Josh Bell trending toward a potential DFA?
The primary driver for a potential roster move is Bell’s significant decline in performance after a brief early-season surge. According to The Sporting News, Bell recorded three home runs and a 1.066 OPS over the first two weeks of the season. However, his output plummeted over the subsequent 50 games, during which he managed only two home runs and a .524 OPS.
This downturn has left Bell with a .637 OPS on the season and a negative 0.5 bWAR. The Sporting News notes that his 77 OPS+ represents the lowest mark of his 11-year Major League Baseball career, prompting speculation that the Twins may soon cut ties with the veteran slugger.
Josh Bell’s 2025 season with the Twins follows a tenure with the Washington Nationals, where he posted a .237/.325/.417 slash line and a 110 OPS+ over 140 games.
Who could replace Bell in the Minnesota lineup?
If the Twins move on from Bell, the organization faces a challenge in identifying a clear successor. According to The Sporting News, while prospect Walker Jenkins is a potential candidate, his .785 OPS at the Triple-A level has not yet provided a definitive argument for an immediate promotion.
Other internal options are currently hindered by external factors. Emmanuel Rodriguez, who has recorded a .923 OPS at Triple-A, is currently unavailable due to injury. The Sporting News suggests that outfielders Gabriel Gonzalez and Hendry Mendez could emerge as long-term internal candidates if the team decides to pivot away from the current veteran-heavy approach at the designated hitter position.
Comparing the Twins’ first base and DH situation
The Twins’ offensive struggles are compounded by a lack of consistency at the first base and designated hitter spots. According to MLB.com, the Twins entered the 2025 season having utilized five different Opening Day starters at first base in five years, including Miguel Sanó, Joey Gallo, Carlos Santana, and Ty France. The team’s collective .678 OPS from first basemen in the previous season ranked 25th among the 30 Major League teams, highlighting a multi-year trend of instability at the position that the Bell signing aimed to address.
When evaluating roster moves, teams often weigh the sunk cost of a veteran salary against the potential upside of a prospect. In the case of the Twins, the $7 million investment in Bell is being increasingly scrutinized against his negative WAR contribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Josh Bell’s current contract status?
Josh Bell is playing on a one-year contract worth $7 million, which includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, according to MLB.com.
Why is there urgency to release Bell?
The Sporting News reports that Bell’s 77 OPS+ is the worst of his 11-year career and his negative 0.5 bWAR suggests he is currently a liability to the team’s postseason hopes, despite the Twins being only 3.0 games out of a Wild Card spot.
Are there internal replacements ready for the Twins?
The situation is complicated by injuries and mixed minor-league results. While Emmanuel Rodriguez has shown promise with a .923 OPS at Triple-A, he is currently sidelined by injury, and other prospects like Walker Jenkins have yet to dominate at the Triple-A level, according to The Sporting News.
What do you think the Twins should do with their DH spot? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Minnesota roster moves.
