Phillies' Michael Saunders: Finalizes deal with Phillies

The Phillies officially announced the signing of Saunders to a one-year deal with a club option for 2018 on Thursday, Corey Seidman of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Analysis:

Saunders will earn $9 million this season and the club option for 2018 is worth $11 million, with escalators that could push the total value to $14 million. He will start in right field for the Phillies this season, and could be trade bait over the summer if the team is not in playoff contention. Severino Gonzalez was designated for assignment to make room for Saunders on the Phillies' roster.