2012 MLB Free Agents: Marlins Agree to Deal with Heath Bell
By Editorial Staff
The Miami Marlins have an agreement in place with All-Star free agent closer Heath Bell. Jayson Stark reports that the three-year deal is worth $27 million and is pending Bell’s physical. In a related move, the Marlins are expected to non-tender former closer Juan Carlos Oviedo, previously known as Leo Nunez.
Two nights ago it was reported that Heath Bell was close to reaching an agreement with an undisclosed team. Bell tried to debunk those rumors by letting everyone know via Twitter that there was nothing new to report.
But rumors continued to swirl around the closer as it was reported by several outlets that the Marlins were making a strong push to sign Bell. While Miami has extended several offers this offseason, Bell became the first blue chipper to accept one of their deals.
Miami has been interested in Bell for several seasons. After Oviedo’s identity issues and resulting placement on Major League Baseball’s restricted list, the Marlins found themselves with a decision to make. Would they wait on Oviedo, who had been their closer and registered 92 saves over the past three seasons? Or would they move on and bring in a new finisher?
The Marlins selected the latter, deciding to go after one of the top closers on the market.
Bell, 34, took over as the Padres closer in 2009. Since then, the right-hander has saved 132 games for San Diego. During his five years with the Padres, Bell has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.53 and 1.118.
Last season Bell completed 43 of his 48 save opportunities, finishing the year with an ERA of 2.44 and 1.149 WHIP. Bell has a career SO/9 of 9.2 and BB/9 of 3.0.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.