The Mariners have traded outfielder Michael Saunders to the Blue Jays for pitcher J.A. Happ, both teams announced on Wednesday.
Blue Jays acquire Michael Saunders from Mariners for J.A. Happ
Saunders, a native of British Columbia, will likely be one of three Canadians on Toronto’s opening day roster, joining catcher Russell Martin and outfielder Dalton Pompey.
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Saunders, who turned 28 in November, had a career year offensively in 2014, hitting .273/.341/.450, but was limited to just 78 games. He missed 15 games on the disabled list in June with shoulder inflammation, and missed another 50 games from July to September with a strained oblique.
The versatile Saunders played mostly right field for Seattle in 2014, but in his six major league seasons he has played at least 107 games in all three outfield positions. In his career he is rated above average defensively by total zone rating, defensive runs saved and ultimate zone rating in both corner spots, but below average by all three metrics in center field.
The left-handed Saunders made $2.3 million in 2014 and is eligible for salary arbitration this winter. The Mariners tendered him a contract on Tuesday.
Toronto is in need of outfielders, with Jose Bautista the only regular set to return in 2015. The Blue Jays dealt Anthony Gose to the Tigers, and combined with current free agents Melky Cabrera and Colby Rasmus, that trio accounted for 289 of Toronto's 486 outfield starts last season.
Happ, who turned 32 in October, was 11-11 with a 4.22 ERA in 158 innings for the Jays in 2014, with 133 strikeouts and 51 walks. The veteran starter is under contract for $6.7 million for 2015.
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