Ranger’s Closer Joakim Soria Traded to Detroit for Pair of Prospects

Photo Credit: MLB.com

By Francisco Romero

As the July 31 non-waivers trade deadline approaches, Major League Baseball teams are either buyers or sellers.

In a move designed to take the Detroit Tigers to the World Series, the team announced the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Joakim Soria from the Texas Rangers in exchange for right-handed pitchers Corey Knebel and Jake Thompson.


The Tigers have finished first in the American League Central Division three straight seasons, but have fallen short of winning the World Series once (2012) and have lost twice in the American League Championship Series (2011 and 2013).

The new acquisition for the Tigers is a proven back-end-of the rotation pitcher who should help end Detroit’s bullpen woes. 


Soria, 30, has pitched in 35 games this season and owns a 1-3 record with 17 saves and a 2.70 ERA (33.1IP/10ER). He has allowed just 25 hits this season and is holding opponents to a .198 batting average. Over his last 30 games, Soria has compiled a 1.91 ERA (28.1IP/6ER), allowing a run in just four appearances during the stretch.

Over his last 17 games, Soria has struck out 20 batters, while issuing just one walk.



Soria, a two-time All-Star selection and native of Mexico, is in his seventh season at the major league level. He has pitched in 359 games in his career and has a 15-18 record with 177 saves and a 2.51 ERA (372.1IP/104ER).



The Tigers gave up excellent talent in the trade. Knebel has pitched in eight games this season for the Tigers compiling a 6.23 ERA (8.2IP/6ER). In the minor leagues, Knebel has split time between Triple A Toledo and Double A Erie.

Thompson has split time this season between Single A Lakeland and Double A Erie. With Lakeland, Thompson made 16 starts and compiled a 6-4 record with a 3.14 ERA (83.0IP/29ER).