Report: Joakim Soria signs three-year, $25 million contract with Royals

Free-agent reliever Joakim Soria has signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Kansas City Royals.

Free-agent pitcher Joakim Soria has signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported Sunday. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported the deal was worth $25 million.

Last season, Soria recorded 24 saves in 30 opportunities, posting a 2.53 ERA in 67 2/3 innings. He started the season as a closer with the Detroit Tigers, but was traded before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, finishing out the season as a setup man with the Pittsburgh Pirates, for whom he posted a 2.03 ERA in 26 2/3 innings.

Soria, 31, returns to Kansas City after making his major league debut there in 2007. With the Royals, he was an All Star twice and posted a 2.40 ERA with 160 saves over five seasons.

• 2015 MLB Free-Agent Tracker

Soria’s role with the Royals is yet to be determined. Free agent Greg Holland closed the most games for Kansas City last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. Wade Davis filled in for Holland, saving 17 games at the end of the season with a 0.94 ERA. Davis was expected to be the everyday closer going into 2016.

- Erin Flynn