Potential Red Sox Free Agent Target Reportedly Signs With Twins

The Boston Red Sox have been active in the rumor mill early this offseason, but they have only made a couple of notable moves to this point. The team’s slow start in free agency continued on Monday morning, as they watched another potential target, veteran first baseman Josh Bell, come off the board.

While Bell wasn’t super heavily connected to Boston this offseason, he has been linked to the team quite a bit in the past. A power hitter who can bat from both sides of the plate, Bell hit .237 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Washington Nationals in 2025.

With the Red Sox reportedly looking for some infield help, Bell could have been a potential fallback option in the event the team missed out on their top targets. Instead, he has ended up signing a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.

“First baseman Josh Bell and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a one-year contract with a mutual option, sources tell ESPN,” Jeff Passan reported in a post on X. “Bell, 33, is a switch hitter who will play at first and DH for a Twins team making its first big league signing of the winter.”

Chances are, the team won’t be all that upset to have missed out on Bell, as there are more attractive options available that the team is pursuing. However, with names continuing to come off the board earlier than usual in free agency, the front office may need to begin operating with a higher sense of urgency.

Boston is reportedly still in the mix for Alex Bregman, and it continues to be linked to a trade for Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The pitching staff has already been upgraded with the additions of Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, so look for the Sox to attempt to upgrade their lineup as the offseason continues to roll forward.