In one of the biggest rip-off trades in recent memory, the Rays acquired closer Rafael Soriano from the Atlanta Braves for right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez on Dec. 10, 2009, then signed Soriano to a one-year, $7.25 million deal.
Soriano, who was one of baseball’s best relievers from 2006 to 2009 with the Mariners and Braves, has had a sensational year in his first season in Tampa Bay. The 30-year-old Dominican Republic native picked up his AL-leading 35th save the Rays’ 8-6 win over the Rangers on Wednesday to go along with a 1.71 ERA — third-best among AL closers.
Soriano has been consistent all year for the first-place Rays, having blown just two saves and given up a mere nine earned runs and two home runs in 46 2/3 innings.
Soriano has made a huge difference this season for Tampa Bay, which lacked a legitimate closer in 2009. The Rays had nine different relievers record at least one save in 2009, and J.P. Howell led the team with just 17 saves. Tampa Bay was also tied for third in the AL with 22 blown saves.
Meanwhile, for the Braves, trading Soriano trade hasn’t exactly panned out. Chavez had a 5.89 ERA in 28 appearances for Atlanta before the team traded him to Kansas City on July 31 for outfielder Rick Ankiel, who has hit just .191 in 15 games since the trade.
The $7.25 million that Soriano is making in 2010 is a bargain, especially when you compare it to Francisco Rodriguez’s $11.5 million (even if Rodriguez's contract may be voided).
The Rays will have a decision to make after the year as to whether or not they want to – or rather, can afford to – keep Soriano. It’s uncertain where Soriano will end up, but one thing can be guaranteed: He’s going to make a lot more than $7.25 million in 2011.
