The Marlins late Thursday thumbed their noses at all the skeptics who believe their free agent dalliances were smokescreens.
A league source confirmed the Marlins have agreed to a three-year deal with Heath Bell, considered one of the top closers available this offseason. Bell is guaranteed $9 million a year, and the contract also includes a vesting option.
It might not become official for a few days. Bell still needs to come to South Florida for a physical. Unlike some of the other free agents the Marlins have courted, Bell did not visit South Florida before signing.
