masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAtlanta Braves reliever Rafael Soriano has reportedly accepted arbitration, denying him free-agent status and leaving his employer scrambling to trade him.

Had Soriano chosen to decline it, the Braves would have received a draft pick due to his Type A status. The Orioles would have surrendered a second-rounder if they signed him.

The Braves can’t trade him before June 15 unless he gives written permission, which is expected to happen.

The Orioles need a closer, but they must decide…Atlanta Braves reliever Rafael Soriano has reportedly accepted arbitration, denying him free-agent status and leaving his employer scrambling to trade him.

Rafael-Soriano.jpg

Had Soriano chosen to decline it, the Braves would have received a draft pick due to his Type A status. The Orioles would have surrendered a second-rounder if they signed him.

The Braves can’t trade him before June 15 unless he gives written permission, which is expected to happen.

The Orioles need a closer, but they must decide whether to continue pursuing him. Soriano, who could receive close to $8 million in arbitration (depending on which report you read), has complicated the process.

Baseball’s circle of life could leave the Orioles negotiating with their former general manager, Frank Wren.