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Royals officially sign Soria to 3-year deal

Contract, reportedly worth $25 million, includes mutual option for '19

The Royals have signed Joakim Soria to a three-year deal with a mutual option for the 2019 season. The deal is worth $25 million, according to a source -- $7 million in 2016, $8 million in 2017, $9 mil in 2018, and $10 million for the option year, with a $1 mil buyout. He also could earn up to $4 million in incentives each year, the source said.

Soria, one of the top relievers that was available on this year's free-agent market, posted a 2.53 ERA over 72 combined outings between the Tigers and Pirates last season. He pitched particularly well down the stretch, piling up a 2.03 ERA in 29 appearances for Pittsburgh after being acquired at the Trade Deadline.

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The club has also agreed to a deal with right-hander Chris Young, reportedly for two years at $10 million -- $4.25 million in 2016 and $5.75 million in 2017 -- with an $8 million mutual option in 2018 with a $1.5 million buyout and $250,000 roster bonuses each year.

The 31-year-old Soria spent his first five seasons with Kansas City, registering a 2.40 ERA -- and two All-Star appearances -- from 2007-11. Soria has a 2.57 career ERA in 444 appearances overall, spanning eight seasons.

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After posting a 2.81 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP across the past two seasons, Soria will warrant a lineup spot in all American League-only formats. He has compiled 42 saves since the outset of 2014, but he will now be expected to work in a setup role in front of closer Wade Davis. Given Davis' dominance and excellent health -- he has not made a disabled-list stint since 2011 -- Soria will be hard-pressed to see many save chances or crack mixed-league rosters in '16.

Jeffrey Flanagan is a reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Kansas City Royals, Joakim Soria