"The Royals have three days after the conclusion of the World Series to notify closer Joakim Soria whether they intend to exercise the $6 million option in his contract for next season.

The decision is widely viewed as a formality. Club officials say there is no reason not to retain Soria despite a disappointing season in which he finished 5-5 with a career-worst 4.03 ERA and 28 saves in 35 chances.

Soria, 27, is the club's highest-paid player and is entering the option phase of a multiyear extension — that ranged from three to six years — signed May 17, 2008. The first three years were guaranteed at $8.75 million. The value jumps to $6 million in 2012, $8 million in 2013 and $8.75 million in 2014."