Marlins Sign Closer Heath Bell

Andy Lyons/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- The Miami Marlins have reportedly made their first-ever big free agency signing. According to ESPN.com, the team has signed all-star and now former San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell to a three-year contract, pending a physical. The deal is believed to valued at around $9 million per year.

Formerly known as the Florida Marlins, the team has made it their goal to improve the team before they open up their new stadium for the 2012 season.

Over the past few seasons, Bell has arguably been the best closer in all of baseball. Bell had 43 saves last season while posting a 2.44 ERA, and he's the only closer in baseball who has saved 40-plus games over the past three seasons. Bell has only been a full-time closer for the past three seasons; he primarily served as a set-up man during his first two years with the Padres.

Bell has 132 saves over the past three seasons.

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