Headlines

  • Brewers To Sign Jackie Bradley Jr.
  • Surgery Recommended For Framber Valdez
  • No Planned Future Discussion On Expanded Playoffs, Universal DH In 2021
  • Out Of Options 2021
  • Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension
  • Giants, Scott Kazmir Agree To Minor League Deal
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Mariners Interested In Joakim Soria

By Mark Polishuk | January 17, 2021 at 11:32pm CDT

The Mariners are the latest team to show interest in free agent reliever Joakim Soria, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweets.  Seattle joins the Twins, Blue Jays, and all four of the Mariners’ AL West rivals as teams linked to Soria’s market at some point during the offseason.

Naturally, the entire AL West got a good look at Soria when he pitched for the Athletics in 2019-20, and the amount of  interest isn’t surprising considering how Soria has continued to deliver results as he approaches his age-37 season.  Soria posted a 2.82 ERA over 22 1/3 innings in 2020 and did a very good job of keeping the ball in the park (one home run allowed) and limiting hard contact (particularly in terms of barrel percentage).  On the flip side, Soria’s 25K% was middle of the pack, his 10.4 BB% ranked only in the 31st percentile, and his 4.36 SIERA painted a much less impressive picture than his ERA.

Still, even with some expected regression baked in, Soria’s track record of durability is solid enough that a team can expect him to be a positive addition to a bullpen.  Soria worked in a setup role in Oakland and would likely assume similar duties on his next team — though it has been some time since his heyday as a closer with the Royals, Soria could also be called upon for the occasional save opportunity if need be.

The bullpen has been more or less the primary focus of the Mariners’ offseason thus far, as the M’s have acquired Rafael Montero from the Rangers, signed Keynan Middleton, and re-signed Kendall Graveman.  Adding Soria would add an even more experienced and durable relief arm to the mix, perhaps a wise investment considering that Montero, Middleton, and Graveman have all undergone Tommy John surgery within the last three years.

Share 0 Retweet 7 Send via email0

Joakim Soria Seattle Mariners

Cubs To Sign Shelby Miller
Main
Phillies Sign Archie Bradley
41 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. chitown311

    2 months ago

    You misspelled Blue Jays

    4 Like
    Reply
    • lolzmets

      2 months ago

      You didn’t end your sentence with a period.

      10 Like
      Reply
      • prov356

        2 months ago

        lolzmets – You didn’t understand the humor in his comment.

        Like
        Reply
    • cheeryvladdy

      2 months ago

      They don’t even write articles about the Jays being interested, it’s just assumed now.

      4 Like
      Reply
    • goalieguy41

      2 months ago

      You “misspelled” misspelled

      Like
      Reply
  2. HalosHeavenJJ

    2 months ago

    Those numbers were posted in a pretty solid offensive league. Dodgers, Astros, Padres, even the Angels had some thump.

    I’m Leary of pitching numbers from the Central.

    Like
    Reply
    • dan55

      2 months ago

      To be fair, Oakland does have a very pitcher friendly park.

      1 Like
      Reply
  3. wagner13

    2 months ago

    Could be a wise investment for the Phillies, who are desperate for bullpen depth. Not the highest ceiling, but that type of acquisition hasn’t exactly worked out lately. He’s a steady contributor that keeps the ball in the park and could nab the set up role behind Bradley

    Like
    Reply
  4. jay13

    2 months ago

    If Joakim Soria goes to the Mariners, I can add to my collection of jerseys. I was kinda of hoping for a KC reunion.

    Like
    Reply
  5. Rgrddy

    2 months ago

    Half of the comments are non-baseball in nature which just indicates that Soria isn’t a difference maker on the field and the Mariners don’t have a compelling offseason story. Not just due to their being a small market team (SD got lots of interesting comments bc there is a substantive ongoing baseball story) , but they really aren’t a dynamic team. Similar to the Baltimore, Miami, Arizona etc. This low level of baseball related engagement is very much why the MLBTR Staff does and should continue to write about the teams that are relevant irrespective of there being coastal or big market teams

    Don’t get me wrong, humor, satire and irony are all interesting and welcome, but only as accents to the core baseball substrate.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • larkraxm

      2 months ago

      The “story” is certainly about Soria and less about the Mariners adding pieces to their bullpen to make a deep playoff run.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • prov356

      2 months ago

      So, Rgrddy, what are the teams that you deem relevant that MLBTR should only write about?

      1 Like
      Reply
  6. angt222

    2 months ago

    Soria is a TJS recipient as well.

    Like
    Reply
  7. Cambio

    2 months ago

    #SoriaNotSoria

    1 Like
    Reply
  8. tanner829

    2 months ago

    What a joke! Dipoto has lost his marbles!

    Like
    Reply
    • threefires42

      2 months ago

      How do you figure?

      1 Like
      Reply
    • Cambio

      2 months ago

      I guess he could try and sign guys that would block the top prospects? Not sure what you are looking for him to do…

      1 Like
      Reply
  9. johne-3

    2 months ago

    Sign him, Dipoto! Given how horrible the Mariners bullpen was in 2020, and given how close the M’s came to making the post-season last year, I think it makes sense to stock up on decent relievers. While the team may not be that likely to contend for a divisional title in 2021, a good, healthy bullpen is still a must. Soria is likely to be average, maybe slightly better, but he has proven to be durable whereas some of the M’s other relievers have proven not so much. He would be a good get for the Mariners.

    1 Like
    Reply
  10. Cambio

    2 months ago

    When you look out 2-3 years, the roster members are mostly on the 40 man already.

    C – Raleigh/Torrens.
    1b – White
    2b – Moore (most open spot).
    SS – Crawford/Marte
    3b – France/Marte
    LF – Lewis
    CF – Kelenic
    RF – Rodriguez
    DH – Marte

    SP – Gonzales, Hancock, Gilbert, Sheffield, Dunn, Kirby, Campbell, Williamson.

    With this FA class, bullpen pieces and a rotation-piece reunion piece such as either Paxton or Walker make the most sense.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • M Haworth

      2 months ago

      Paxton is an easy pass. Walker would be ok

      Like
      Reply
    • mlbfan

      2 months ago

      I’d rather not spend the money for Soria at this point. Paxton or Walker would be fine, but Paxton is going to cost over $12 million.

      Like
      Reply
      • ayrbhoy

        2 months ago

        If we’re going to buy one more RP from the top 3rd of the remaining FA pool, someone that’s more recognizable than Chris Flexen. There’s no reason we can’t add that FA RP (Soria) and Walker. Dipoto has yet to spend much money at all.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • mlbfan

          2 months ago

          I’m not a fan of spending for relievers, and they came off of a 0.450 win pct season.

          Like
          Reply
        • ayrbhoy

          2 months ago

          Mlbfan- a 0.450 win pct with 3 first year rookies in the rotation and 6 rookies in the lineup is not a bad season. The M’s had the AL’s worst BP in 2020. They have a payroll of $67M this yr and 41M next yr. Desperate times call for desperate measures!

          Like
          Reply
    • compassrose

      2 months ago

      Cambio I agree with what you wrote except I would swap Rodriguez and Kelenic. Julio has the speed edge and I believe Kelenic the arm. A lot though depends on how they adjust to a big league park.

      I am also a bit surprised they have not signed Walker. Maybe they have a get offer give us a chance to match agreement. Not sure that is legal if so not sure why.

      Like
      Reply
  11. Benjamin560

    2 months ago

    Dipoto has stated he intends to compete for the playoffs in ’21. All indicators this offseason have shown that to be true. He’s quietly putting together a formidable bullpen.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • dshires4

      2 months ago

      Care to find that quote for everybody? I can’t recall Dipoto giving a specific about 2021 being the contention year. Even if he did —and I don’t remember him doing so— that was pre-COVID with a bunch of top prospects losing a full season of at bats.

      In short: there’s not a single member of the Mariners front office that honestly expects to compete in 2021.

      Like
      Reply
      • Benjamin560

        2 months ago

        mlb.com/news/jerry-dipoto-2021-mariners-can-conten…

        Took me 2 seconds to GOOGLE it.

        1 Like
        Reply
      • ayrbhoy

        2 months ago

        Dipoto has said he thinks the M’s will be competitive in 2021 on multiple occasions. You can find more than 1 quote if you look for any Dipoto interviews that focus on the growth of his young players after the 2020 season.

        JD can be vague and very non-commital during his podcasts and interviews. He’s very careful in the way he uses the word contend. He’s very careful when talking about the rebuild in general. You can tell he’s talking about trying to go after the wild card in 2021 with 2022 being the year where he sees the M’s fighting for the Division.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • ayrbhoy

          2 months ago

          Dshires- look for the Tacoma News Tribune article on Sept 29, 2020- google.com/amp/s/amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/mlb…

          1 Like
          Reply
        • ayrbhoy

          2 months ago

          In short: theres not a single member of the Mariners front office that DOESNT think they can contend in 2021 haha

          Like
          Reply
  12. Jordo87

    2 months ago

    Seems good for getting bullpen experience,as far as playoffs this year obviously every team is hoping for playoffs but with no “major” move so far I’d say Seattle will fall short and sure future looks “good” but who knows if all of them will be in Seattle in 3 years

    1 Like
    Reply
  13. Kotta 2

    2 months ago

    The M’s should sign him, he might be old but he’s always been consistent and reliable, he won’t be that expensive.

    Solid fit for a rebuilding team. He won’t block any young prospects.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • ayrbhoy

      2 months ago

      Totally agree Kotta- he’d be a useful signing with plenty of experience. Talk to almost any A’s fan about Soria and you’ll realize how valuable he is in that set-up 7th or 8th inn role.

      When JD said he’s still looking to add to the pen I was worried he wouldn’t go after any of the better RP’s that remain in FA. I feared he might continue to dumpster dive but this article gives me some hope, if we don’t sign Soria he’ll still add a decent RP.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Kotta 2

        2 months ago

        Yeah, he’s pretty underrated, nobody is talking about him, he’s no a rebound candidate either so that’s a plus in my book.

        He and Hendricks were dope for the A’s in 2020

        1 Like
        Reply
      • Kotta 2

        2 months ago

        Yeah, he’s pretty underrated, nobody is talking about him, he’s no a rebound candidate either so that’s a plus in my book.

        He and Hendricks were dope for the A’s in 2020

        Like
        Reply
        • ayrbhoy

          2 months ago

          Remember the double header vs A’s where Kyle Lewis made his amazing grab taking away a grand slam from Laureano? I was absolutely shocked Soria had 3 straight walks to set up the Kyle Lewis’s bases loaded walk to win the game. He’s so reliable especially with traffic on the bases. I’d be really happy with a Joakim Soria signing- he’s exactly what that young BP needs

          Like
          Reply
  14. LaFlamaBlanca

    2 months ago

    Angels should have already signed Soria, Petit, Hand, and Kirby Yates. Not sure why they are waiting around doing nothing when soo many players that could finally take them to the playoffs are just sitting in free agency.

    Like
    Reply
  15. Jordo87

    2 months ago

    The Angels aren’t the only team standing with their hands in their pockets that’s probably why Hand Kirby etc and the top free agents Bauer Springer are all still out there

    Like
    Reply
    • drfelix

      2 months ago

      MLB teams are gun-shy on loading up on high paying contracts with all the 2020 COVID losses last year. There’s chatter that we won’t have a full season even this year, but all MLB Brass are looking at all the potential attendance losses. It’s NOT the time to be buying this offseason.

      The Mariners really lucked out deciding to rebuild in 2018 and moved all those high paying contracts. The Mariners couldn’t have timed it any better, and they stocked up their Farm System so they are in the top 3-5 Farm Systems now with most their top prospects almost ready in 2021-22. Seattle will be in an amazing financial position now with all these long-term controllable players for cheap….to weather this Covid storm for the next several years. Plus the Mariners do have the luxury of landing 1-2 high paying FA’s with such a low ball payroll now. Money is King in this Covid era at this point, and so is low payrolls for the financial strength of an org! There is gonna be so many teams itching to move their high paying players over the next year, especially if they aren’t in contention come May/June. I can see some pretty sweet avail players avail thru trades this year, without giving up the Farm to get them too!

      Just my .02

      Like
      Reply
      • ayrbhoy

        2 months ago

        Dipoto’s background in epidemiology is really paying off, and to think, all those competing GM’s laughed at him when he attended those immunity and operational research conventions. Pfft! The man’s a genius

        Like
        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Brewers To Sign Jackie Bradley Jr.

    Surgery Recommended For Framber Valdez

    No Planned Future Discussion On Expanded Playoffs, Universal DH In 2021

    Out Of Options 2021

    Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension

    Giants, Scott Kazmir Agree To Minor League Deal

    Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement

    Braves Extend Brian Snitker

    Yankees Sign Justin Wilson

    Braves Sign Jake Lamb

    Recent

    MLBTR Poll: Who Will Win The NL Central?

    Market For Maikel Franco “Heating Up”

    Giants Sign Justin Bour

    Latest On Jake Odorizzi

    Angels Outright Gerardo Reyes

    Royals Sign Jarrod Dyson

    Major League Baseball Suspends Sam Dyson For 2021 Season

    Adam Haseley Out Four Weeks Due To Groin Strain

    Injury Notes: Cain, Realmuto, Astros, Lowrie, Severino

    COVID Notes: Astros, Red Sox, Cordero

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • Jackie Bradley Jr. Rumors
    • Jake Odorizzi Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version