Washington Nationals Sign Heath Bell To Minor League Deal

The Washington Nationals have signed former all star closer Heath Bell to a minor league contract.

Former MLB Delivery Man of the Year, and 2 time Rolaids Relief Award winner Heath Bell has a new home, conditionally. According to reports, the veteran relief pitcher who was once a hot trade target a few years back, has a new home in Washington with the Nationals — well, their minor league affiliate anyways.

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For a three year period between 2009-2011, Bell was arguably the National League’s premier closing pitcher. In those seasons, he saved a combined 132 games for the San Diego Padres, with an ERA of 2.36 (157 ERA+), and a WHIP of 1.157. During this time, he won each of the aforementioned awards, and represented the National League in the All Star Game in each season.

The past few years, however, have much a much different story. For the 2012 season, Bell signed with Miami Marlins, whom had just come off of an off-season spending spree that would make even the late George Steinbrenner jealous. Unfortunately, the team, as well as Bell struggled to live up to the expectations. He posted his worst numbers across the board, since his final year with the New York Mets in 2006. The 2013 and 2014 campaigns were not much better for Bell, who continued to struggle with the command that was once his greatest strength. He gave up 12 HR in 2013, double his previous high of 6 from 06, and this past season was released by the Tampa Bay Rays after posted an ERA of 7.27 in just 13 games pitched. Both the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees signed and released him before ever calling him up to the majors.

And so Bell finds himself back in the minors; having once again, to prove that he is still a major league level reliever. His chances start with a reported invitation to spring training, as included in the deal.

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