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Angels Rumors: Halos interested in multiple free-agent relievers

By Alfonso Cerna

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Closing pitcher Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 10-9. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Closing pitcher Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 10-9. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Angels
Joakim Soria (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Another free-agent reliever the Angels have shown interest in this past week is an older but reliable option in Joakim Soria. The Halos are reportedly one of five teams in the AL West in pursuit of the veteran right-hander.

The 36-year old has spent the last two seasons with Oakland and played two years with Texas earlier in his career so there is some history with the AL West.

Soria will enter his 14th season in the big leagues and has proven to still be an affective weapon out of the bullpen.

  • 2016: (70 games) 4.05 ERA 1.455 WHIP
  • 2017: (59 games) 3.70 ERA 1.232 WHIP
  • 2018: (66 games) 3.12 ERA 1.137 WHIP
  • 2019: (71 games) 4.30 ERA 1.029 WHIP
  • 2020: (22 games) 2.82 ERA 1.254 WHIP

The set-up role is likely where Soria would line up in the Angels bullpen, creating a 1-2 punch with recently acquired closer Raisel Iglesias.

If there were any downside to Soria’s game, it would be his low strikeout-to-walk ratio in recent years. In his last five seasons, Soria holds a 3.73 K/BB ratio.

A two-time All-Star who can still get the job done, Soria could have an impact on and off the field. Outside of his statistics, he would also be a value as far as intangibles. It benefits every successful team to have at least one or two veteran relievers in their bullpen, and Soria fits that role.

Last season Soria made $8.5 million for the Athletics. Due to his age and this current market, I imagine he receives a deal around that mark or slightly less for one season.

Now this brings up the question most will probably ask:

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