Michael Saunders (21) could be a nice addition to the Phillies lineup. Photo Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with outfielder Michael Saunders, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
The deal includes a club option worth $11 million that can jump to $14 million with escalators, or a $1 million buyout.
Saunders made the American League All-Star team with the Toronto Blue Jays and hit .253 with 24 home runs and 32 doubles in 2016. The 30-year-old logged a career-high 140 games played last season after totaling 87 in the previous two campaigns combined.
Saunders’ OPS of .815 in 2016 would have been the highest on the Phillies.
Saunders is expected to start in right field for Philadelphia, with fellow newcomer Howie Kendrick in left. Odubel Herrera, who signed a five-year extension earlier in the offseason, will remain in center.
