Washington, DC – The Washington Nationals are reportedly nearing a deal for closer Rafael Soriano.
The Washington Post cites a source close to the situation as saying the two sides are getting close to a contract. CBS Sports.com indicates that it is a two-year deal worth $28 million.
Soriano spent the past two seasons with the New York Yankees, the first as a setup man. Last year, he replaced an injured Mariano Rivera as New York's closer and converted 42-of-46 save opportunities with a 2.26 ERA in 69 games for the AL East champs.
The 33-year-old right-hander has 132 saves in an 11-year career with Seattle, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and New York. He was an All-Star closer for the Rays in 2010, finishing that season with a career-high 45 saves with a 1.73 ERA in 64 appearances.
Soriano joined the Yankees in 2011 with a three-year contract, but opted out of the deal after his strong 2012 campaign. The Yankees gave him a one-year qualifying offer, which possibly scared off potential suitors because any team that signed him would lose a first-round draft pick.
The Nationals, who would lose a pick in the June draft if Soriano signs, won the NL East last year without a dominant closer. Tyler Clippard led the team with 32 saves after 2011 closer Drew Storen slowly returned from an elbow injury. Storen had 43 saves in 2011.





You must login to comment.