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Toronto Blue Jays: Michael Saunders Still on the Radar

By Paul Taylor

Jun 17, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders (21) celebrates after beating the Baltimore Orioles 13-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Saunders was holding up a hat that was thrown on the field by a fan after hitting his third home run of the game. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders (21) celebrates after beating the Baltimore Orioles 13-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Saunders was holding up a hat that was thrown on the field by a fan after hitting his third home run of the game. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi reports that the Toronto Blue Jays have kept in contact with Michael Saunders, but how likely is he to actually return to Southern Ontario?

With spring training just one month away, the Toronto Blue Jays‘ outfield situation remains less than appealing, in respect of their projected starters. Most people are fine with Kevin Pillar, but Melvin Upton and Ezequiel Carrera don’t exactly inspire much confidence.

We’ve written at length about the pros and cons of re-signing Jose Bautista, with the Blue Jays apparently still in discussions with him. However, he’s not the only former Blue Jay the front office are talking to.

According to Fox Sports‘ Jon Morosi, the Blue Jays have also remained in contact with Michael Saunders. The MLB insider reports that the information was relayed to him from several sources.

The question is, does this even matter? The Blue Jays are likely in contact with various options, as they look to strengthen the outfield position, especially in the corners.

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More significantly, is Saunders even an acceptable solution? Certainly, he had an excellent first half in Toronto during the 2016 campaign, which led to his first ever All-Star selection.

However, the 30-year then slumped during the second half of the season. He was particularly poor during the final two months, as he recorded a batting line of just .186/.267/.338.

Further, there is no denying Saunders has been extremely inconsistent throughout his eight years in the Majors. In fairness, this has been affected by having to contend with various injuries.

However, that in itself represents a problem, with the Victoria, British Columbia native only managing to break the 100-game mark in four of his eight season. As recently as 2015, he was limited to just nine games for the Blue Jays.

There is some suggestion Saunders could come back on a one-year deal. The thinking is that this could give the Blue Jays some depth, while protecting themselves against any further injury issues for the outfielder.

However, the Blue Jays’ main need is to upgrade their starting positions in the corners, which includes finding someone with good durability. Ultimately, while having no issue with Saunders being re-signed, the front office needs to continue looking elsewhere.

Next: Does J.P. Howell fit the bill for the Jays?

What’s your take on Saunders? How realistic is it to expect him to return to Toronto and more to the point, do you even want him back in a Blue Jays’ uniform? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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