Pirates acquire Joakim Soria

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-hander Joakim Soria from the Detroit Tigers, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported. James Schmehl of MLive Media Group first noted that the teams were close to a deal. 

In return for Soria, the Tigers received Double-A shorstop/outfielder JaCoby Jones, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reported. He's the Tigers' 12th-best prospect, according to the rankings on MLB.com.

The Pirates have been interested in relief help for a good part of this month and Soria will be a good addition to the backend of their bullpen, setting up to closer Mark Melancon. With the Tigers officially selling after the David Price trade today, the Pirates took full advantage of their opportunities. 

The 31-year-old Soria is a free agent at the end of the season, but has been very good while serving as the Tigers closer. He's 3-1 with a 2.85 ERA (4.81 FIP) in 43 games, saving 23 in 26 opportunities. He has a 36 to 11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 innings.

The Pirates bullpen has been amongst the best in terms of ERA, but FIP and xFIP suggest that they are getting lucky in some regard. Obviously, a deep bullpen can take you far in the playoffs, and the Pirates know that, so the Soria addition is a logical one for down the stretch. 

--Devan Fink

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