Closing Contract

San Diego Padres’ closer Heath Bell isn’t like many other stars in the MLB.  By Austin Mirmina

(AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

In a league flooded with risky contracts and players demanding top dollar, P Heath Bell told San Diego he would sign a discounted contract to remain with the team in 2012. The all-star could even forego free agency and accept arbitration, making him eligible for next season’s roster so long as he and the Padres agree on a salary.

It is clear that Bell’s loyalty lies with a Padres team that limped across the finish line with a 73-93 record, good for last place in the NL West. Simply put, they are really bad. So why on earth would Bell, a closer who has recorded 42 or more saves in the last three seasons, want to return?

Bell was born in San Diego, and grew up admiring Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn, who made a living off discounted contracts. After making his major league debut with the New York Mets in 2004, Bell earned his first closing job with the Padres five years later, and hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.00 since.

Obviously the Padres cannot afford to lose Bell if they want to remain relevant in the NL West. But their payroll isn’t exactly cooperating.

At just under $46 million, the Padres have the 28th lowest salary in the league. And although Bell is willing to return, he won’t be cutting the Padres any miraculous deals.

The Padres have reportedly offered the closer a two-year contract with an option for a third-year, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Bell would be due for a hefty raise from his $7.5 million salary in 2011, regardless if he signs the contract that the Padres have offered.

“At some point I became a leader here," Bell told SportsIllustrated.com. "Young guys look up to you. They tell you they don't want you to go. That means a lot to me. If I decline arbitration and walk, I'll be letting them down. I'm not trying to needle the organization. I'm trying to make the organization better."