Joakim Soria is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher who has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career. He was born on May 18, 1984, in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, and began playing baseball at a young age.
Soria started his professional career in 2001 when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent. However, he did not make his MLB debut until 2007 when he was signed by the Kansas City Royals. He quickly became a key player for the Royals, earning the nickname "The Mexicutioner" for his dominant performances on the mound.
During his time with the Royals, Soria was a two-time All-Star and led the American League in saves in 2008. He also set a Royals record for most saves in a single season with 43 in 2010. However, he struggled with injuries in 2011 and was eventually traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2012.
Soria continued to play for several teams over the next few years, including the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox. He was primarily used as a relief pitcher and continued to be a reliable closer, earning his 200th career save in 2018.
In 2019, Soria signed with the Oakland Athletics and played for them for two seasons. He was a key player in the Athletics' bullpen and helped them reach the playoffs in both 2019 and 2020.
Throughout his career, Soria has been known for his fastball, slider, and changeup pitches. He has also been praised for his ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, making him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations.
As of 2021, Soria is still an active player in MLB and has played for a total of 10 teams throughout his career. He has earned numerous accolades and is considered one of the best relief pitchers in the league.
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