Soria, Diamondbacks finalize $3.5 million, 1-year contract

<p>PHOENIX &mdash; </p>
<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized their $3.5 million, one-year contract with relief pitcher Joakim Soria.</p>
<p>The 36-year-old right-hander can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for games pitched: $125,000 each for 40, 50, 60 and 65. He would get a one-time $500,000 assignment bonus if traded.</p>
<p>He also receives a hotel suite on road trips.</p>
<p>The two-time All-Star will be pitching for his eighth MLB team. He spent the past two years with Oakland and finished with a 2.82 ERA in 22 appearances during the abbreviated 2020 season. He earned $3,148,148 in prorated pay from an $8.5 million salary during the final season of a $15 million, two-year contract.</p>
<p>Soria’s deal was the first notable move by the Diamondbacks during a quiet offseason. </p>
<p>Arizona is coming off a disappointing last-place finish in the NL West. The D-backs don’t have a clear-cut closer for the upcoming season and Soria could be in the mix for the job along with holdovers like Stefan Crichton and Kevin Ginkel.</p>
<p>Soria had his best years as the closer in Kansas City with 42 saves in 2008 and 43 in 2010, which were both his All-Star seasons. While he hasn’t matched those numbers since, he’s been a dependable reliever over the past decade and has 732 career appearances, which is third among active pitchers.</p>
<p>Arizona announced the agreement Saturday. To open a roster spot, Arizona designated left-hander Taylor Guilbeau for assignment.</p>
<hr />
<p>More AP MLB coverage: <a href="https://apnews.com/MLB">https://apnews.com/MLB</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Sports">https://twitter.com/AP_Sports</a></p>