Diamondbacks acquire Bell in three-team trade

The Diamondbacks have acquired closer Heath Bell from the Marlins in a three way trade that will also send Cliff Pennington and cash considerations to Arizona. Miami will receive infielder Yordy Cabrera from Oakland, and the Athletics will get outfielder Chris Young and $500k from the Diamondbacks.
The Marlins are responsible for $8 million of the remaining $21 million owed to Bell over the next two years. Bell had a horrific season with the Marlins in 2012, and got into several confrontations with manager Ozzie Guillen about his struggles. He posted a 5.09 ERA in 73 appearances. The Marlins signed Bell last off-season as part of their spending spree. His contract includes a vesting option for the 2015 season that will earn him $9 million if he finishes 55 games in 2014, or 100 games finished in 2013-2014 combined.

Pennington has been a member of Oakland ever since his career started in 2005 when he was drafted in the first round (21st overall) in the 2005 draft. He was Oakland's everyday shortstop until they acquired Stephen Drew, therefore forcing him to move to second base. He hit .215 in 462 plate appearances in 2012.

Young will earn $8.5 million in 2013, and has a 2014 club option worth $11 million with a $1.5 million buyout. He hit .231 with 14 homers in 2012, and only started 101 games that season, partly due to shoulder injury that he suffered in April.

Cabrera hit .232 in 60 games at Single-A in 2012, and is a former second round pick.

Analysis: Wow this is a lot to take in here. First off, I like this trade from every side's standpoint. The Marlins are not only getting rid of Bell and the majority of his contract, but they get Cabrera, who isn't a great prospect but does have some upside. It also will allow Steve Cishek to take the everyday closer's role, whom I am a big fan of. As for the Diamondbacks, their bullpen is pretty solid already but I guess they decided that buying low on Bell would be the right thing to do. Hopefully Bell turns around his career, because if he doesn't than Arizona will be stuck with him for two more years and it may get ugly. Cliff Pennington will also be going to the Diamondbacks, and he is a guy that is pretty much a defensive specialist. Arizona has been looking for a shortstop ever since Stephen Drew was traded a few months ago, and I suppose Pennington can serve as a stop-gap like replacement for now. Now, I like what Billy Beane is doing here. He is getting Young, whose value is extremely low right now. He really doesn't fit the typical "Billy Beane player" mould due to his strikeouts, but he is being reunited with manager Bob Melvin, and hopefully that helps him play better.