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One of the few bright spots the last few seasons for the Kansas City Royals was reliever Joakim Soria, but the closer's days in KC are done. The free agent agreed to a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday.
MLB.com reported the deal wasn't complete and was pending a physical and some minor details, but the two sides are close on a deal that would send the All-Star to Arlington. Soria, who missed the 2012 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, would set up for closer Joe Nathan in Texas.
Soria, a two-time All-Star, saved 160 games from 2007-2011. He posted a disappointing 4.03 ERA in 2011, but the four seasons prior was one of the top relievers in baseball while posting a 2.01 ERA.
Royals general manager Dayton Moore said the team was interested in retaining Soria, but could never reach a deal.