2012 MLB Free Agents: Diamondbacks Sign Joe Saunders
By Editorial Staff
A month after the Arizona Diamondbacks non-tendered starting pitcher Joe Saunders they were able to reach a contract agreement with the right-hander. Saunders has signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Diamondbacks, thus filling out Arizona’s rotation.
The Diamondbacks were unwilling to bring Saunders at the $8-9 million he would have commanded through the arbitration process. Before Saunders was cut, Arizona’s general manager Kevin Towers said the club would either work out a new deal with the 30-year-old or trade him.
After being non-tendered, Saunders received some interest on the free agent market, and several outlets speculated that he could be in line for a multi-year contract this winter. Instead, Saunders and the Diamondbacks were able to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides. Saunders receives a $500,000 raise from his 2011 salary and the Diamondbacks add a durable arm to their now completed starting rotation.
Last season for the Diamondbacks Saunders maintained a 3.69 ERA and 1.307 WHIP over his 33 starts and 212 innings pitched. Saunders sports a 4.16 career ERA.
With Saunders and fellow offseason addition Trevor Cahill, the Diamondbacks now boast and impressive starting five including Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson, Josh Collmenter, Cahill and Saunders.
For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.