The Chicago Cubs announced the signing of free agent reliever Rafael Soriano earlier this week. Soriano agreed to a minor league deal with the team. The long time closer went 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA and recorded 32 saves in 2014; could provide the Cubs with an additional ninth inning option after manager Joe Maddon started to rotate pitchers in the closing role recently. Hector Rondon has been the main closer, but they’ve also used Pedro Strop and Jason Motte.

Soriano previously starred in the closing role for Maddon’s Tampa Bay Rays and has also been a closer for the Braves, Yankees, and Nationals. At one time, he was the league’s second highest paid closer to Mariano Rivera. Soriano has 207 career saves over 13 seasons.

This contract could lead to a reunion for Soriano and Maddon, who was the manager of the Rays when the right hander had 45 saves for the team in 2010. “Had a great time with him,” Maddon said before the Cubs signed Soriano. “Had a great season down there. He’s very good.” Soriano recently hired Maddon’s agent as his own. The Cubs’ bullpen ranks 20th in the majors with a 3.68 ERA, having allowed 67 earned runs while going 12-10 and earning just 14 saves.

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