Report: Royals agree to deal with their former closer Soria

The Kansas City Royals reportedly have agreed to a three-year, $25 million deal to bring back free-agent reliever Joakim Soria.

Soria began his career with the Royals --€“ and collected 160 saves with KC -- before signing as a free agent with the Texas Rangers prior to the 2013 season. This past season, Soria was 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA and 24 saves for the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He struck out 64 batters in 67 2/3 innings.

.@Royals, RHP Joakim Soria reportedly agree to 3-year, $25M deal with mutual option. Club has not confirmed. #WinterMeetings
— MLB (@MLB) December 7, 2015

Joakim Soria close to signing three-year, $25 million contract with #Royals, source confirms @jcrasnick report. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2015

In his eight-season major-league career, Soria is 19-10 with a 2.57 ERA and 202 saves.

Kansas City's bullpen has been a strength during its World Series runs the past two seasons, but the team reportedly will lose free-agent right-hander Ryan Madson to the A's in free agency. And fellow free-agent right-hander Greg Holland will miss the entire 2016 season after having Tommy John surgery.