KC Royals: Who Should Be Named Closer in 2016

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Sep 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Joakim Soria (38) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Joakim Soria

Joakim Soria used to be the Royals’ best player. Can you imagine how many saves he could have earned with the Royals if only they had been this good when he was in his prime?

Soria carried very similar numbers to Herrera during the 2015 campaign with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.094 for both Pittsburgh and Detroit. He also struck out 8.5 batters per nine innings and was a little better in the walks department than Herrera.

Soria also brings a fair share of experience with him in the closer role with over 200 saves to his credit. Even better, 160 of those saves came wearing Royals’ blue.

In 2010, Soria converted 43 of his 46 save opportunities. The Royals won 67 games that year. Chances to earn saves were few and far between and Soria made the most of his chances.

Soria has been used primarily in the set up role in recent years, but with a pitchers park at his back and the leagues best defense behind him, Soria should be more than capable of resuming his role as Royals’ closer.

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