January 16, 2017
The reportedly imminent reunion between Jose Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays appears to have a domino effect that will send a Canadian outfielder to the Phillies.
According to reports, first from MLB.com national correspondent Jon Morosi, free agent Michael Saunders has signed with the Phillies. The left-handed hitting Saunders, who turned 30 in November, will almost surely open the season as the team’s opening day right fielder.
Source: Michael Saunders close to signing with #Phillies. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 16, 2017
The Phillies have not confirmed the deal. If all that is standing in the way is a physical, the contract likely wouldn't be officially announced until Tuesday at the earliest.
According to foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal, it's a one-year, $9 million deal with a club option for 2018.
Sources: Saunders deal with #Phillies one year, $9M with club option. Option worth $11M, can increase to as much as $14M with escalators.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 16, 2017
Saunders guarantee includes $1M buyout if #Phillies do not exercise option. Deal pending a physical. First to say close: @jonmorosi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 16, 2017
Saunders, a native of Victoria, British Columbia, hit .253 with a .338 OBP, 24 home runs, and 32 doubles in 140 games with the Blue Jays last season. A veteran of eight seasons between the Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners, Saunders has slashed .235/.309/.402 in 702 major league games.
A first-time All-Star in 2016, Saunders saw his production drop significantly after the All-Star break: he hit .298/.372/.551 with 16 home runs in 82 games before the break, .178/.282/.357 with eight home runs in 58 games after the break.
Saunders would join a veteran outfielder with Odubel Herrera (signed to an extension last month) and former second baseman Howie Kendrick (acquired in a trade in November). Signing Saunders means outfield prospect Roman Quinn, who has never played at Triple-A, would likely begin the season with the IronPigs.
A possible Phillies Opening Day lineup:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Howie Kendrick, LF
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Maikel Franco, 3B
5. Michael Saunders, RF
6. Tommy Joseph, 1B
7. Freddy Galvis, SS
8. Cameron Rupp, C
