Rangers trade Joakim Soria to Tigers for Jake Thompson, Corey Knebel
By Mike Dyce
The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers teamed up to swap players again, during the offseason the teams traded Ian Kinsler and Prince Fielder. On Wednesday night, the Tigers agreed to acquire closer Joakim Soria from the Rangers in exchange for right-handed pitching prospects Jake Thompson and Corey Knebel.
Tigers and Rangers have trade agreement in place: Joakim Soria for Jake Thompson and Corey Knebel, source confirms @KyleBogie report.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2014
Tigers' trade for Joakim Soria will be finalized once physical exams are completed, source says. Players are agreed upon.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2014
Soria replaced Joe Nathan in the closer role, and will join Nathan once again on the Tigers roster. Soria has a 2.70 ERA and earned 17 saves in 33.1 innings in his first full season since 2011. The Tigers bullpen has been struggling in the 2014 season with a 4.41 ERA, a mark that is fourth-worst amongst bullpens in the American League.
The familiarity with Kinsler and Nathan will ease the transition according to Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com.
Soria is highly respected, played with Nathan and Kinsler in Texas last year. Move will be very well received by Tigers clubhouse.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2014
The Tigers also have an option for the 2015 season on Soria.
Tigers can have Joakim Soria for next year, as well, on a $7 million club option.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2014