The Oakland A’s are “close to finalizing” a contract with free agent reliever Joakim Soria, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic on Thursday. The two-year deal will pay Soria around $15 million, according to MLB’s Jesse Sanchez. The pitcher must still pass a physical, which should take place on Friday, says Susan Slusser of the S.F. Chronicle.
This is a significant addition to Oakland’s bullpen. Soria has enjoyed a brilliant career, and even entering age 35 he’s still one of the top relievers in the game. The right-hander spent a half-decade as a dominant closer for Kansas City, converting nearly 90% of his save/hold chances during that time with sparkling numbers across the board.