Reports: Soria, Rangers agree to two-year deal
Free agent reliever Joakim Soria, who sat out all of the 2012 season following his second Tommy John surgery, agreed to a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers, according to multiple media reports.
Soria, a former closer, would serve as a setup man in front of Rangers closer Joe Nathan, another pitcher who came back from Tommy John surgery. It's possible Soria won't be ready to pitch at the start of the 2013 season, when he'd be just 12 months removed from his latest operation.
In five major league seasons, all with the Kansas City Royals, Soria earned two trips to the All-Star Game, and he twice saved more than 40 games in a season. Soria, 28, has 160 career saves, a 2.40 ERA and a 13-15 record over 298 major league appearances.
His arrival would bring another experienced right-hander to a Texas bullpen that has lost a few this offseason. Koji Uehara and Mike Adams became free agents following last season, and Alexi Ogando is slated for a move to the rotation.
According to MLB.com, Soria planned to undergo a physical in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.
