The free-agent market for closers got a little smaller late Thursday night and once again, it was one of the market's best pitchers changing teams.
Heath Bell has come to terms on a three-year deal with the Miami Marlins, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. The deal is reportedly worth $27 million, pending a physical on Friday.
Bell, considered the one of the best closers in a fairly saturated market at the position, averaged 44 saves per season in his three years as Padres closer. The righty was an All-Star in his final three years with San Diego and racked up a career-high 47 saves in 2010. By all indications, he seemed willing to return to San Diego if the Padres could offer him a three-year deal, which apparently did not come.
Bell's deal comes a few weeks after Jonathan Papelbon, arguably the best closer on the market, left the Red Sox to sign a four-year deal worth $50 million with the Philadelphia Phillies.
