June 10--The Cubs signed veteran closer Rafael Soriano to a minor-league deal Tuesday to help bolster their late-inning options.
Soriano, 35, recorded 42 saves for Tampa Bay under Joe Maddon in 2010, and was an unsigned free agent. He recently fired agent Scott Boras and went with the Octagon agency.
But it's uncertain when Soriano will be game ready. Manager Joe Maddon said that Soriano will throw in his native Dominican Republic in front of team staff members while taking care of the necessary paperwork to arrive in the United States.
Once that is completed, Soriano, 35, is expected to report to the Cubs' spring training complex to continue throwing off a mound and face hitters. The Cubs' staff will later decide where and when Soriano will start pitching in minor league games.
"I just want him to be well and obviously get here, and we'll make that determination," Maddon said of Soriano's role. "I have no idea what he's going to look like."
According to published repots, Soriano will receive a pro-rated $4.1 million salary in 2015 with $4 million in added incentives.
Soriano lost his closer's role with the Nationals late last season, but has 207 career saves and a 2.85 earned-run average.
The Cubs will continue with a closer-by-committee strategy for the time being after Hector Rondon was removed from the role on Saturday.
Rondon endorsed the signing.
"Bringing Soriano in is huge for us," Rondon said. "More experience. We can rely on him."
