The Philadelphia Phillies and free-agent outfielder Michael Saunders have agreed to a one-year deal worth $9 million, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The contract also includes a club option worth $11 million with escalators that can increase the option to as much as $14 million.
Saunders, 30, hit a career-high 24 home runs last season for the Toronto Blue Jays with an .811 OPS, earning himself his first All-Star nod.
With Jose Bautista set to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays, that’s two more sluggers off the free agent market which could make it easier for Mets GM to deal Jay Bruce. However, Mark Trumbo, Chris Carter and Mike Napoli are still unsigned.
Original Report – Jan 16
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network on Twitter, the Philadelphia Phillies and free agent OF Michael Saunders are closing in on a deal.
Saunders, 30, spent the early portion of his career with the Seattle Mariners, but has spent the last two with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Appearing in only nine games for Toronto in 2015, Saunders clubbed 24 homers and drove in 57 runs while receiving regular playing time this past season.
2016 also saw the veteran outfielder hit to a .253/.338/.478 clip which was the best of his career.
Altogether Saunders is a career 8.5 oWAR player, but his defense is where his game suffers, holding a career -3.2 dWAR.
Saunders will join a Phillies outfield that also includes Aaron Altherr, Odubel Herrera and the newly acquired Howie Kendrick.
Photo courtesy of USA Today.
