Pitcher Rafael Soriano #29 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws against the Texas Rangers during game 3 of the ALDS at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 9, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have reached a three-year agreement with AL saves leader Rafael Soriano.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal has not been finalized. Soriano must still pass a physical to complete the contract, which could be worth $35 million.

Soriano led the AL with 45 saves last season for Tampa Bay and then became a free agent. The 31-year-old righty was 3-2 with a 1.73 ERA in his only year with the Rays and was a member of the AL All-Star team.

Soriano joins a bullpen that has 41-year-old Mariano Rivera as its closer. Rivera recently signed a two-year deal.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press

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Filed Under: baseball, Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Rafael Soriano

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