Should the Twins Bring Back Josh Bell for 2027?

[LyleCole]

While I believe you cannot do things half way, you either compete (and spend the money) or you rebuild.  Half way just gives us the 75-84 win type of teams that occasionally make the bottom edge of the playoff teams (either winning the extremely mediocre Central Division or the last wild card).  

But it also depends on what the other options are.  One aspect of rebuilding is you need to have patience and stick with the players you are trying to develop.  5.21 and 5.49 are the ERAs the 1982 and 1983 Twins had 126 and 210 innings pitched by Frank Viola before he gained the experience and confidence to match his stuff (probably is good concept for some of the younger pitchers on the staff today).  Then in 1984 he had a 3.21 ERA over 257 innings and eventually became the Cy Young level pitcher think about.

If we are going to develop and essentially tank and consider that progress then do not bring back Josh Bell.   But, if there really isn't a player that can replace him immediately on the roster I would consider retaining him.  IN the end, if they really commit to a rebuild getting Gabe Gonzalez and others Bells plate appearances have more long term value to the team.

While in many ways it might be miserable, a 60-102 2027 with the young players developing might be the best possible outcome for the Twins.  Trade away the valuable veterans for solid prospects, lock in another top 3 pick, and move on to 2028 with the core of your team getting that full year experience at the highest level.

[RpR]

6 minutes ago, LyleCole said:

...While in many ways it might be miserable, a 60-102 2027 with the young players developing might be the best possible outcome for the Twins.  Trade away the valuable veterans for solid prospects, lock in another top 3 pick, and move on to 2028 with the core of your team getting that full year experience at the highest level.

The sun'll come out tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar, that tomorrow there'll be sun
Just thinking about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs, and the sorrow 'til there's none

When I'm stuck with a day that's gray and lonely
I just stick out my chin, and grin, and say, oh

The sun'll come out tomorrow
Oh, you gotta hang on 'til tomorrow, come what may
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow
You're always a day away

[Mike Sixel]

It boggles the mind people want to bring back this roster.

[HarmonK03]

He just clogs up the roster and for a league average player why would you do that.  Rotate the DH between the outfielders, there will be 4 and maybe 5 that will need at bats.  

[Brandon]

7 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

He was a better hitter than I expected, and honestly, despite not liking the signing last offseason, he did endear himself to me; a great guy for sure. But he's still not a good fit for the roster. 

I just don't understand why this club always has to find their 'veteran clubhouse' presence on the lower tiers of free agency. Why don't the team's existing veterans fill this void? Why can't 25M free agents fill this void?

See Chili Davis.  He was ßigned for 1991.  On the cheap after an injury in Anaheim the year before.  

[Blyleven2011]

7 hours ago, MeleMouth said:

Bring Bell back as bench coach.

As a player, he won't help them win next year, there's no chance he would be part of a better future team, and he would be unlikely to get anything of value at the trade deadline.

Unless you need a certain number of replacement level players to get through a push year, the optimal number of at-bats for a player like that is zero.

I was thinking close to your terms only I would make him a player / coach …

who is the bench coach ??? , I hear nothing or know nothing about him …

that is if he is that instrumental with the clubhouse and younger players , Shelton would then have his man coaching and be available to pinch hit and DH on occasion  …

think outside the box for once …

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Absolutely not. 

He has zero defensive value and the bat isn't good enough to make up for it.

Good teammate. He is who he is. It just isn't a good fit for him here.