Skankees Sign Pitcher Soriano

[oakas]

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AL saves leader Rafael Soriano(notes) and the New York Yankees have reached agreement on a three-year contract that could be worth $35 million to the free-agent reliever, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.


The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal has not been finalized. Soriano must pass a physical to complete the contract.

The deal allows Soriano to opt out after his first or second season with the Yankees. He’s likely to become the primary setup man for 41-year-old closer Mariano Rivera(notes), who recently signed a two-year deal for $30 million.

Soriano was successful on 45 of 48 save chances last season in helping Tampa Bay edge out the wild-card Yankees for the AL East title. The 31-year-old righty was 3-2 with a 1.73 ERA in his only year with the Rays and was a member of the AL All-Star team.

The deal would mark the first major free-agent addition for the Yankees this offseason after they missed out on ace Cliff Lee(notes).

Soriano becomes the latest prominent player to leave the cost-cutting Rays, who have won two of the past three AL East titles. Speedy outfielder Carl Crawford(notes) and first baseman Carlos Pena departed as free agents this offseason, in addition to relievers Joaquin Benoit(notes), Dan Wheeler(notes) and Randy Choate(notes). Starting pitcher Matt Garza(notes) and shortstop Jason Bartlett(notes) were traded.

AL East rival Boston has been especially busy this winter, signing Crawford and trading for All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez(notes).

Soriano is assured $11.5 million, even if he decides to leave the Yankees after the first year. He’s guaranteed $22.5 million for staying at least two seasons.

The Yankees hope he remains in the bullpen for all three years and maybe even longer, possibly as Rivera’s eventual successor as the closer.

For now, Soriano is likely to replace Kerry Wood(notes) as Rivera’s top setup man. Wood, acquired by the Yankees from Cleveland at last year’s trade deadline, became a free agent this offseason and went back to the Chicago Cubs, signing a $1.5 million, one-year contract.

Soriano, however, would give the Yankees extra insurance on days when they might want to rest Rivera. And with New York’s rotation still somewhat uncertain — Andy Pettitte(notes) isn’t sure if he’ll return for another season, Javier Vazquez(notes) signed with Florida—Soriano would help add length and depth to a bullpen that might need to pitch extra innings for shaky starters.

Earlier this winter, New York signed left-handed specialist Pedro Feliciano(notes) to an $8 million, two-year deal.

Soriano made his major league debut with Seattle in 2002 and didn’t start closing on a somewhat regular basis until 2009 with Atlanta. He had 27 saves with a 1-6 record and a 2.97 ERA that year with the Braves, then was traded to Tampa Bay after the season.

[LordCC]

I think he is a very good addition to the Yanks, and if he sticks around long enough, he could be their future closer.

[oakas]

I am sure that is what the Yankees are thinking.

[garyrenard]

If he has a good year with the Yankees, he'll likely use his opt-out clause to find a closer job for more years/money. Good deal for both sides.

[RanPicks]

money burning a hole in their pocket...

that being said... I think he'll retire a Yankee as long as he keeps up his stats

[MCP313]

Originally Posted by garyrenard

If he has a good year with the Yankees, he'll likely use his opt-out clause to find a closer job for more years/money. Good deal for both sides.

LOL only reason this joker agreed to sign with the Yankees is because they already agreed to give him closer $$ which is a pretty stupid move by them because this guy was running out of places to play with a multi year deal.

[secondbase]

what does this do to joba's role?

[MCP313]

Originally Posted by secondbase

what does this do to joba's role?

Joba can pitch the 7th now if he is on his game.

I kind of get what the Yankees are doing here. Basically they know their rotation isn't where they want it to be so basically they are trying to shorten the game as much they can with an All Star style pen.

I know analysts were going crazy when the Tigers signed Benoit to a 3 year 15 million deal for a MR and Soriano basically wouldnt sign unless he got closer money. If Soriano & Rivera can duplicate or come close to what they did last year then teams are going to have a tough time coming back on the Yanks.

[justdonating]

Reminds me off when Rivera used to setup Wetteland back in the day.....I think Joba is middle relief, Soriano pitches the 8th, and Rivera cleans up the 9th. On days when they want to rest Rivera, Soriano can close or go 2 innings. Given the starting rotation woes, I like this move.

[ILikeToParty]

Im not even sure Joba is even in their bullpen plans as of now. The guy just takes one step backwards after another