Report: Phillies agree to 1-year, $9M deal with Saunders

The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year, $9-million deal with outfielder Michael Saunders, sources told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

The contract, which is pending a physical, also contains an option for 2018 worth a reported $11 million - a figure that could increase to as much as $14 million through escalator clauses - reports Rosenthal. The option can be bought out for $1 million.

In Saunders, the rebuilding Phillies will get an additional left-handed bat capable of solid power who can play either corner outfield spot. His presence could allow the Phillies to give Aaron Altherr some more time in the minors while Saunders takes over in right. Saunders and Altherr could also potentially form a platoon at the position.

Philadelphia already added to its outfield corps this winter by trading for veteran outfielder/second baseman Howie Kendrick and signing free agent Daniel Nava; they also locked up Odubel Herrera on a lucrative extension.

Saunders is coming off the best season of his eight-year career, and one that saw the injury-plagued 30-year-old play over 120 games for just the third time in his career. Though he tailed off considerably in the second half, Saunders hit .253/.338/.478 with 24 home runs and 32 doubles for the Toronto Blue Jays while playing in a career-high 140 games - only a year after appearing in just nine contests following a knee injury in spring training. That production was enough to earn him his first career All-Star berth.

The Blue Jays had been interested in bringing back Saunders - and the Canadian was open to returning - but Monday's reports of the Blue Jays nearing an agreement to reunite with Jose Bautista likely closed the door on Saunders' career in his native land.

For his career, Saunders owns a .235/.309/.402 slash line with 75 homers, 114 doubles, and 242 RBIs over 702 games with the Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. He's scheduled to represent Canada at the World Baseball Classic.