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Yankees Sign Rafael Soriano To Three Year Deal

By Brandon Cohen
ST. PETERSBURG - MAY 02: Relief pitcher Rafael Soriano #29 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the game at Tropicana Field on May 2, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG - MAY 02: Relief pitcher Rafael Soriano #29 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the game at Tropicana Field on May 2, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
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In a move that has been heavily speculated, shot down, and reported on once again, the Yankees have signed Rafael Soriano to a three year deal. Jon Heyman (on twitter) has the report.

Soriano will be the set up man for the Yankees on a 3 year $35 million deal. The deal is flexible, so Soriano can opt out after one or two years. Should be interesting to see how that happens, but I imagine if he doesn't enjoy setting up, or he could find better money next season or two seasons from now, he will opt out.

Heyman makes an interesting comparison between this bullpen and the '96 bullpen. The Rivera-Wetteland combination was a championship winner, and hopefully the Soriano-Rivera has equal success. For statistical comparison, in 1996 Wetteland pitched to a 2.83 ERA and Rivera pitched to a 2.09 ERA. Last season, Rivera pitched to a 1.80 ERA and Soriano to a 1.73 ERA.

The Rays will receive a first round draft pick from the Yankees, the 31st overall.

Thoughts on the deal? 

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