Toronto Blue Jays: Michael Saunders is back!
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed Michael Saunders to a minor league contract. The outfielder is a player most fans are familiar with, as he spent the previous two seasons in Southern Ontario.
Canadian Pride
The Toronto Blue Jays made a surprising move on Wednesday, as they brought Michael Saunders back to the organization, after signing him to a minor league contract. Saunders was a player who enjoyed some success during his previous spell with the Blue Jays, including being selected for his first All-Star game.
It’s definitely nice to see another Canadian player back on the Jays’ team. Fans love the Canadian pride, with catcher Russell Martin also being Canadian.
We've signed OF Michael Saunders to a Minor League deal. He'll report to the @BuffaloBisons.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 28, 2017
Welcome back, Michael! pic.twitter.com/bpHp7g1juu
Looking Back
Looking back on his previous spell with the Blue Jays, it was definitely positive. In 2016, he had 24 home runs along with 57 RBI and these numbers could have been even better, if he wasn’t injured.
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It just goes to show you that Canadian players for the Blue Jays perform well. These numbers show production.
Getting Saunders back on the Blue Jays’ roster would definitely be interesting. Although half the season is done, it would be nice to see how he would perform during second half of the 2017 campaign.
He is currently with the Buffalo Bisons, but we will see if they sign Saunders to a major league contract as surely this is the intention. This year with the Phillies he had six home runs and 20 RBI, before being designated for assignment – these numbers are also sufficient for Saunders.
The 30-year old is comparable to Ryan Goins, who has four home runs and 27 RBI for the Blue Jays this year. As the team are still looking to get to .500, bringing back Saunders could help them push forward after the All-Star break.
Remember when Michael Saunders lost it after Dioner Navarro went first to home? pic.twitter.com/0erzsR1PHo
— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) June 28, 2017
Next: Is pursuing Sonny Gray a good idea?
What’s your position on Saunder’s return to Toronto? What kind of success are you predicting for him? Further, would you have done the same thing in the Blue Jays’ position, or passed on re-signing the 2016 All-Star? Share your thoughts in the comments section.