Rizzo Completes Nationals With Soriano Signing
Soriano has been one of the most consistent relievers in Baseball since 2006.
One of the more surprising actions from the early hot stove season was when Rafael Soriano opted out of his contract with the Yankees that would’ve paid him $14 million for the 2013 season. Soriano was coming off of an excellent season for the Yankees as he ably filled the closer role for the Yankees when Mariano Rivera was lost for the year. That part of it made sense as Soriano would’ve returned to a setup role and would’ve hit the free agent market after the 2013 season as a 34 year old reliever who spent the year setting up for Mariano Rivera. His value likely would’ve diminished, at least financially, with a change of roles.
But, the free agent market for closers hasn’t been big in the past years. Jonathan Papelbon was going to be the highest paid closer in the sport with a $13 million salary. Mariano Rivera is slated to make $10 million. But, Scott Boras almost always reads the market well. He did once again as Boras brokered a deal with the Washington Nationals that will pay Soriano $28 million over the next two seasons with an option for a third season based on games finished (120). It is a deal that makes sense for both parties. Soriano doesn’t get the big pay raise, but he does get an additional year at $14 million with the possibility for a third year.
Category: FCP on OS
