Report: Tigers open negotiations with Soria

Toward the end of July, with little more than a remote chance of securing a playoff spot, the Detroit Tigers shipped closer Joakim Soria to Pittsburgh. Just a few months later, however, the club may be interested in reuniting with the two-time All-Star.

Though the Tigers have yet to make the free agent a contract offer, the club has picked up negotiations with Soria's agent, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. Soria, who earned $7 million in 2015, was not eligible to receive a qualifying offer from the Pirates and therefore won't be tied to draft-pick compensation.

Acquired by the Tigers ahead of the 2014 trade deadline, Soria grabbed hold of the closer role in April after incumbent Joe Nathan suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Soria, one of the league's foremost closers earlier in his career, proceeded to fashion a 2.85 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP in 43 appearances, notching 23 saves in 26 chances before being traded.

Soria's peripheral statistics weren't overly impressive in Detroit - his 4.87 FIP and 19 percent HR/FB rate before the trade were both career worsts - but he still fared better than most in the Tigers' bullpen, which finished near the bottom of the American League in most statistical categories.

None of the relievers available via free agency have signed yet, though, and the trade market for bullpen help remains robust. Craig Kimbrel, Joaquin Benoit, and Tom Wilhelmsen have already been traded this offseason, while Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is widely expected to be moved shortly.