Rafael Soriano inexplicably remains on the free agent market unsigned after failing to agree to terms with any teams this offseason.
It’s bizarre. Soriano is coming off a season with the Nationals where he posted 30 saves, a healthy 3.19 ERA and 8.6 SO/9 against just 2.8 BB/9. He’s still a pretty good relief pitcher, and many teams could use his services.
Perhaps the delay of signing would be his asking price. The relief pitchers market was all over the place this offseason. Fransisco Rodriguez led the MLB in games finished, and had 44 saves last season, yet only managed to get a two-year $13 million deal. Andrew Miller on the other hand, finished with ridiculous peripheral numbers yet only had one save. He turned his nastiness into four-year deal worth $36 million, and is now closing out games for the New York Yankees. I’d think Soriano would want a contract closer in line with Miller’s, when his market value probably suggests he’s valued at around the same as Rodriguez.
Soriano is 35-years-old, and while he hasn’t seen a rapid decline, he’s got to be close to approaching his own. Any significant investment worth four years or more would take him to being near 40 years of age, and that would certainly make teams apprehensive about signing him to such a commitment.
It seems likely that Soriano will sign soon, as he’s been reportedly been throwing for teams, and is ready to get back into things.
One team that should be looking to acquire Soriano’s services is the Toronto Blue Jays.
Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs most aggressive on Rafael Soriano. Could sign ahead of Thursday workout according to agent Alan Nero
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) June 5, 2015
The team doesn’t need a closer. Brett Cecil has done a solid job in that role, posting a 2.81 ERA. The problem is, he hasn’t had any save opportunities – he’s posted just two saves all season since taking over for the now demoted Miguel Castro. The Blue Jays are a ‘go big or go home’ kind of team, as they either blow an opponent out of the water or they lose.
Soriano’s role with the Blue Jays wouldn’t be closing games, but setting them up or coming in during pivotal moments. Youngster Robert Osuna has done a great job in that role, but he’s already appeared in over 22 games, and he’s never thrown more than 43.2 innings at any level (he’s currently at 25.2), so it would be great to see the team give him a break. They could also shift Osuna to a starting role – although I doubt they’d do that considering the club already has enough youthful options in it’s rotation.
The team has had it’s struggles. Outside of Cecil and Osuna, the bullpen hasn’t been great as they’ve posted a 3.75 ERA, good enough for 20th in the MLB.
The always dependable Aaron Loup has worked in 22 games and has struggled, sporting a 5.03 ERA. Steve Delebar has been great in the nine appearances he’s pitched in, but there’s no chance he can maintain his 1.04 ERA, especially considering his 3.81 FIP – he’s bound to regress. The club has used Liam Hendriks in an expanded role, and while he’s been solid, he’s not a comfortable option for anything more than low-leverage situations.
The Jays bullpen is such a mess, that the team has used a mix of guys who shouldn’t be on MLB rosters – including Todd Redmond, Jeff Francis, Ryan Tepera and Colt Hynes.
While his role may not be immediately defined, Sorinao would instantly bolster the Blue Jays bullpen while simultaneously taking pressure off of Osuna and Loup.
The question is would Soriano want a non-closer role? I’d guess no.
While saves is an arbitrary stat, it’s still one that’s valued on the open market (even with the Miller/Rodriguez price).
If I had to guess, I would say unless the Blue Jays are throwing ridiculous term at him, he’d likely pass for a chance to close somewhere else. His value is pretty low though, so maybe the notoriously cheap Blue Jays – see Ervin Santana – may sign the veteran. It would help the club tremendously.
