Twins curiously sign Josh Bell

 Josh Bell looks like a Major League first baseman is supposed to look. Let's get that out of the way first and foremost. The Twins have trotted out a collection of first basement the last few years that have been fairly small in stature, from Donovan Solano to Carlos Santana to Ty France and the heir apparent, Kody Clemens, they have all been a little on the short side. the Twins signed Bell this morning for one year and $7 million in guaranteed salary between the annual salary, a bonus and a buy out. Bell is 6'3 and 261lbs. That is the build of a first baseman. 

It makes sense that the Twins signed a first baseman, one that can hit with a bit of thump. His deal is reasonable, perhaps even half of what many had theorized the Twins would expend on a first baseman. In fact, I would guess that the fact that Bell accepted such a reasonable salory is a primary factor in the Twins agreeing to go with him. Bell is a good player, but an imperfect fit for everything the Twins need. 

Bell is a switch hitter who should be good for about 20-25 home runs this season. His switch hitting bat should get him to play in almost every game, so long as he keeps hitting and stays healthy. That frees Clemens to move around a bit, to fulfill a role he is more aptly suited for. So far, I've said nothing but good things about the signing, and justifiably so! To make it clear, at $7 million in total value, adding Josh Bell is almost something ou have to do. But a few million more may have addressed all of the needs the Twins are looking to fulfill.

Bell, the switch hitter, has historically been a better left handed hitter than right handed. The Twins need someone that can be counted on to hit a few dingers, and Bell is that. The thought was that the Twins were replete with left handed hitters at the typical offensive positions, the corner outfield, first base and DH, and needed a right handed bat to balance the order, and to spell all those lefties. Bell doesn't quite do that. 

It's not even a "if the Twins are really going for it" kind of thing. The team just doesn't make a ton of sense right now with the talent arranged such as it is. There are some hitters on the team that need to be platooned, without much of a platoon partner for them. Matt Wallner will probably play in right field every day, with Bell at first. Against lefties the best choice might be to have Ryan Jeffers as the DH, with Alex Jackson sneaking into the lineup, with Trevor Larnach at DH against righties, and Clemens in the field in left instead of Austin Martin. 

Don't be surprised if this isn't the end of the offseason. There is cash for a few bullpen options thanks to Bell's affordability, but also, there is probably some new impetus to recalibrate the offense. There are a ton of left handed corner outfielders in the organization, and the Twins will need to find someone who can hit from the other side of the plate.