After holding out for a three-year deal for most of the winter, it appears that Joe Saunders is close to deciding where he’ll pitch in 2013.
The Mets are reportedly interested in signing the left-hander to replace R.A. Dickey and fill their vacant spot in the starting rotation.
According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports, Orioles vice president Dan Duquette said today that Saunders is probably going to make a decision this week.
The Orioles have also shown interest in retaining Saunders, but don’t have a real sense of whether he’ll be back or plans to sign elsewhere.
Saunders is unlikely to get the three-year contract he wants, but will likely sign a one- or two-year deal. The Twins and Padres have also been connected to him besides the O’s and Mets.
Saunders, 31, posted a 4.07 ERA and 112/39 K/BB ratio over 174 2/3 innings last season with the Diamondbacks and Orioles. He owns a 4.15 ERA over eight seasons in the majors.
