Joakim Soria facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joakim Soria
Soria with the Kansas City Royals in 2011
Pitcher
Born: (1984-05-18) May 18, 1984 (age 41) Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
April 4, 2007, for the Kansas City Royals
Last appearance
September 15, 2021, for the Toronto Blue Jays
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	36–45
Earned run average	3.11
Strikeouts	831
Saves	229
Teams
Kansas City Royals (2007–2011) Texas Rangers (2013–2014) Detroit Tigers (2014–2015) Pittsburgh Pirates (2015) Kansas City Royals (2016–2017) Chicago White Sox (2018) Milwaukee Brewers (2018) Oakland Athletics (2019–2020) Arizona Diamondbacks (2021) Toronto Blue Jays (2021)
Career highlights and awards
2× All-Star (2008, 2010)
Medals Men's baseball Representing Mexico Central American and Caribbean Games Bronze 2006 Cartagena Team

Joakim Agustín Soria Ramos (born May 18, 1984) is a former professional baseball pitcher from Mexico. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for many teams from 2007 to 2021.

Some of the teams he played for include the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Detroit Tigers. Joakim Soria started his career in the Mexican League. He also played a short time in minor league baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. The Royals picked him in the Rule 5 draft in 2006. He became an MLB All-Star two times.

Baseball Career Highlights

Early Days in Baseball

Soria played for teams in Mexico, like the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican Baseball League. He also played for the Yaquis de Obregón in the Winter League. In 2006, he threw a perfect game while playing in the Mexican Winter League. This means no opposing player reached base during the entire game.

Playing for the Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals chose Soria in the Rule 5 draft in 2006. He joined the Royals in the 2007 season. He had a good first year with 17 saves and a low earned run average (ERA) of 2.48.

In 2008, Soria started the season very strong. He made 13 straight saves, which was a new record for the Royals team. He was chosen to play in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He was the only player from the Royals to be an All-Star that year.

Soria had some injuries in 2009 but still finished with 30 saves. In 2010, he got his 100th career save. He was also picked for the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his second time as an All-Star. He ended that season with a very good 1.78 ERA and 43 saves.

In 2011, Soria had a tough start, but he later got his role as closer back. In 2012, he had Tommy John surgery on his elbow. This meant he missed the whole 2012 season.

Time with the Texas Rangers

After recovering from surgery, Soria signed with the Texas Rangers in 2012. He started playing for them in July 2013. In 2014, he became the main closer for the Rangers.

Moving to the Detroit Tigers

In July 2014, the Rangers traded Soria to the Detroit Tigers. He continued to play well there. In July 2015, he reached 200 career saves.

Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates

A few days later, in July 2015, the Tigers traded Soria to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Back with the Royals

In December 2015, Soria signed a new contract to return to the Kansas City Royals.

With the Chicago White Sox

In January 2018, Soria was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-team trade.

Joining the Milwaukee Brewers

In July 2018, Soria was traded again, this time to the Milwaukee Brewers. He became a free agent after the 2018 season.

Playing for the Oakland Athletics

In December 2018, Soria signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. In 2019, he played in his 674th major league game. This made him the Mexican-born pitcher with the most games played in MLB history.

With the Arizona Diamondbacks

In February 2021, Soria signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Final Season with the Toronto Blue Jays

In July 2021, Soria was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. After the 2021 season ended, Joakim Soria announced that he was retiring from baseball.

Pitching Style

Soria used five different types of pitches when he played. He mostly used his fastball and cut fastball. Both of these pitches usually went around 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). His fastball could reach about 94 mph (151 km/h), and his cutter about 93 mph (150 km/h).

He also threw a slider (in the low 80s mph), a slow curveball (around 70 mph), and sometimes a changeup (in the low to mid-80s mph).

Personal Life

Joakim Soria is married to Karla, and they have three children. He is a Christian.

Soria supports a charity called Water Mission, which helps provide clean water to people. He used to have the nickname The Mexicutioner. However, in 2011, he said he no longer wanted to be called that because of violence in his home country.

Images for kids

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  Soria pitching for the Texas Rangers

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  Soria pitching for the Detroit Tigers

See also

In Spanish: Joakim Soria para niños

• Rule 5 draft results