Tigers haven't closed door on signing Soria

The Detroit Tigers have addressed needs.

First, a closer. Then, an outfielder. A front-line starting pitcher and back-end starting pitcher. Now, the Tigers are once again turning their focus to the bullpen.

More specifically, finding a set-up man.

The team hasn’t ruled out a reunion with right-handed reliever Joakim Soria, according to a person with knowledge of the team’s plans.

Soria, 31, is the only reliever with extensive closing experience on the free agent market, but would fit the Tigers in a set-up role. The two sides engaged in negotiations earlier this off-season before the team acquired veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez in a trade with the Brewers on Nov. 18.

This past season with the Tigers, Soria saved 23 games with a 2.85 ERA before he was traded to the Pirates at the trade deadline. In eight seasons, Soria has posted a 2.57 ERA with 203 career saves.

Soria is one of the top two relievers on the free agent market, and his pursuit would indicate the team is open to the idea of signing another significant piece. He likely is looking for a multi-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $9 million per year.

Soria has said to be more concerned with the right situation than the chance to close. He joined the Tigers in 2014, in a trade with the Rangers.

Other high-end bullpen arms available include righty Darren O’Day, who reportedly is deciding between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals, and righty Tyler Clippard.

The addition of another big bullpen arm would pair with Rodriguez to solidify the eighth and ninth innings, and bringing back Soria to fill that role hasn’t been crossed off the list of options.

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.