Rafael Soriano Signs With the Yankees

By John in Featured, Red Sox ⋅ January 14, 2011 at 8:46am ⋅ Post a comment

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Rafael Soriano delivers the ball to the Texas Rangers during Game 3 of the American League Division Series baseball game in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo / Tony Gutierrez)

On Thursday, the New York Yankees agreed on a deal with the top remaining free agent Rafael Soriano. Soriano’s deal will annually pay him $10 million, then $11 million, then $14 million. Soriano can opt out after either of the first two years by taking $1.5 million more.

Previously, the Evil Empire had declared an unwillingness to give up a first round pick to sign anyone. Now, they’re flip-flopping on that and signing within the division. This guarantees that Boston will receive Texas’ first round pick from the Beltre signing.

Soriano will likely set up Mariano Rivera for two years, then take over the closer’s role when Mo’s career is expected to play, “Exit Sandman.” In the meantime, do you think that Mo can get 43 saves in two years to break Trevor Hoffman’s record? Not if Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford have anything to say about it.

Tags: Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Rafael Soriano

Discussion

3 comments for “Rafael Soriano Signs With the Yankees”

Soriano would be 33 by the time he took over

Posted by Leo | January 16, 2011, 10:56 am
Don’t forget, Mo’s 41 now.

Posted by John | January 16, 2011, 11:07 am
[...] to become the team’s new closer. The Yankees, who probably heard the chatter, swooped in and inked Soriano to a three-year deal to be the team’s setup man. The A’s then opted for Brian Fuentes and Grant Balfour, [...]

Posted by Papelbon Trade Was Discussed With A’s, White Sox | Sports of Boston | January 22, 2011, 3:37 pm