Marlins said to show interest in closer Bell

The Miami Marlins are interested in Heath Bell and are currently engaged in discussions with the three-time All-Star closer, a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com.

Bell has been the topic of several rumors since Wednesday night, when an ESPN.com report said he was expected to soon sign with an unnamed team.

The 34-year-old right-hander has previously expressed interest in remaining with the Padres, who offered him a two-year contract, or staying on the West Coast.

Bell told MLB.com late Wednesday that he hadn't heard from his agent about any impending deals.

Bell has racked up 132 saves over the past three seasons while posting an ERA of 2.36 with at least 62 innings pitched each year. He recorded 43 saves and a 2.44 ERA while striking out 51 batters and walking 21 in 62 2/3 innings in 2011.

Bell is the latest free agent to be linked to the Marlins, joining Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson. Miami will be playing in its new ballpark this season, and with an expectation of higher revenues, the club has been aggressively pursuing talent this offseason.

If the Marlins are able to reel in Bell off the free-agent market, that could affect the future of right-hander Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez), last year's closer.

Oviedo is eligible for arbitration and expected to make about $6 million, but he is currently on Major League Baseball's restricted list due to identity issues regarding the assumed name he used his entire professional career. Oviedo could be non-tendered if the Marlins are able to make a big splash on the open market with a proven closer like Bell.