One of the Twins’ top priorities this season is acquiring a solid first baseman. Minnesota has already been linked to Rhys Hoskins, but he will likely sign several suitors this offseason, so the Twins can’t count on him wanting to sign here. He’s not alone either. Any team interested in a first baseman is also looking at Pete Alonso, who would be a dream signing for the Twins.
While Alonso will likely sign with a bigger market club, there is a huge pool of first basemen for Minnesota to go after. Josh Bell, Ryan O’Hearn and Michael Toglia would all be interesting combinations. Let’s take a look at them.
Josh Bell, Ryan O’Hearn and Michael Toglia could be solid options as the Twins’ next first baseman
Jos Bell
Bell, 33, is no stranger to playing for a new team. He has played for six clubs in his career, including three one-year stints with Arizona, Cleveland and San Diego. It’s been a career defined by resetting itself, so why not do it again, possibly with Minnesota?
Bell had a sneaky good season with the Nationals in 2025, hitting 22 home runs to highlight his fifth straight season with an OPS+ of 100 or better (110 this past season). Although Bell has only played eight games at Target Field during his career, he has put up some pretty impressive numbers at other AL Central ballparks. He is a .367 hitter at Comerica Park, .291 hitter at Kauffman Stadium and .252 hitter at Progressive Field.
The 6-foot-4, switch-hitting free agent could eventually re-sign with Washington, but Minnesota should consult Bell, who brings a ton of MLB experience and willingness to mentor younger players.
Ryan O’Hearn
O’Hearn, 32, is no stranger to the AL Central. He started his big league career with the Royals, where he played five seasons. O’Hearn is a .291 hitter in his career at Kauffman. He also has an .885 OPS at Guaranteed Rate Field, .267 average in Detroit and .739 OPS in Minnesota.
O’Hearn was traded from the Orioles to the Padres this past season, and he provided some spark for a San Diego team that made the playoffs. The 2025 All-Star was a .281 overall hitter this past season with his second campaign of an OPS of .800 or better in three years. He is a proven solid hitter who won’t cost much. Are not just the higher-spending teams interested in himor. It’s open season on O’Hearn.
Michael Toglia
If all else fails, going after Michael Toglia would be an intriguing pursuit. The 27-year-old has had a rollercoaster of a career, being bounced around throughout the 2025 season. Toglia needs a change of scenery, so he opted for free agency after a bumpy six years in the Colorado organization.
Toglia’s strength is what stands out the most. In 2024, he hit 25 home runs, 14 doubles and three triples in his only full-time MLB season. He ranked in the 98th percentile in barrel percentage that season, as well as 94th in hard-hit percentage and 93rd in xSLG. Those stats are legit and he only recorded these numbers a year ago.
In 2025, he was optioned three times and was ultimately designated for assignment. In 88 MLB games, he scored 11 home runs, 15 doubles and one triple. For what it’s worth, that’s not terrible. Getting him to a place where he can produce more consistently is also a good first step. Working with a new hitting coach will help him unlock more of his game.
Toglia won’t cost much money, and if he has to split time at first base (especially early in the season), Minnesota can use Kody Clemens as a one-two punch at the position. Acquiring Toglia won’t be the Twins’ first choice, but he isn’t a terrible running back if push comes to shove.
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