The Washington Nationals have reached an agreement with free agent closer Rafael Soriano on a two-year deal worth $28 million. The deal includes an option for 2015 valued at $14 million that will vest if Soriano finishes 120 games over the next two seasons.
Soriano pitched to a 2.26 ERA and saved 42 games for the New York Yankees in 2012. Soriano declined a qualifying offer from the Yankees earlier which may have had a negative effect on his marketability, because of draft pick compensation.
The Yankees will now receive Washington’s 29th overall selection as compensation. Soriano is represented by Scott Boras and joins a Nationals bullpen that already includes Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard. Presumably both will be moved into set up roles for the Nationals. Kyle Lohse and Michael Bourn are the remaining free agents that are linked to free-agent compensation, both represented by Boras.
