The Mets are showing interest in free agent reliever Joakim Soria, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Soria, 31, was one of the most dominant closers in the American League when he was with the Kansas City Royals. From 2007 to 2011 he saved 160 games and posted a 2.40 ERA and 1.043 WHIP with a 9.7 K9 for the Royals.
After missing the 2012 season with elbow surgery he worked his way back to being a very solid reliever and he delivered an impressive season in 2015.
Soria posted a 2.53 ERA in 72 relief appearances spanning 67 2/3 innings split between the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates, who dealt for him before the trading deadline. He saved 24 games last season and really turned it on with the Pirates, posting a 2.04 ERA and 1.93 FIP in 29 appearances as a setup man spanning 26.2 innings.
He is being heavily courted by the Boston Red Sox and the Tigers are also looking to bring him back.
The veteran right-hander would be a nice addition to the Mets bullpen, joining fellow RHP Jeurys Familia, Hansel Robles and most likely Addison Reed.
However, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, it’s very unlikely the Mets will invest big dollars for Soria or right-hander Darren O’Day.
Soria is expected to garner a three-year deal worth about $21-24 million dollars.
