7 years agoChicago White Sox relief pitcher Joakim Soria was acquired from the Royals this offseason and could have a chance to close in Chicago this season. Soria was a stud from 2008-2010, saving 115 games and only blowing nine blown saves. However, he blew five of his first 11 save opportunities in 2011 and then, after Tommy John surgery in 2012, has never regained the closer's role. Nate Jones is recovering from elbow surgery, which gives Soria a head start on the closer role. Juan Minaya recorded nine saves for the club last year, but also produced a 4.53 ERA. There is risk all across this bullpen, but someone will emerge with at least a handful of saves and it could be the veteran Soria. In 59 games (56 innings) for Kansas City last season, Soria posted a 3.70 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, posting his best strikeout per nine rate (10.3) since 2013. Also, Soria had a 2.23 FIP, the second-best ratio of his career, and only allowed 49 hits and one home run. Walks have been a bit of an issue for Soria over the last two seasons (3.4 per nine), but he seems to be the safest option for saves for the White Sox. While he may not be the closer at the end of the season, either because of another trade out of town or Jones taking over the role, Soria will provide a good high-floor option at the beginning of the season. He is a good player to take in the last couple rounds of a draft, as he has top-15 RP upside and has an easy path to saves.--Chris Zolli