Toronto Blue Jays: Who Should They Re-Sign This Offseason?

OF Michael Saunders

Now onto some of the bigger decisions that the Blue Jays will wrestle with this offseason. First, we will look at a player who many didn’t expect would cash in come his time to explore free agency. Michael Saunders clearly had different plans, as the 29-year-old outfielder has had the best season of his career.

After getting the starting nod in left field when Ben Revere was traded to Washington, Saunders was not expected to be a middle of the order hitter. However, after getting off to a scorching start, Saunders became one of the more reliable options in an already deadly Blue Jays lineup. With Jose Bautista missing extend time due to an injury, Saunders picked up the slack for a while. His overall numbers don’t look as outstanding now because he’s been in a little bit of a slump. His average has dropped to .266 after spending much of the summer in the .300s. Recently, Melvin Upton Jr. has taken away playing time in left field, shifting Saunders to the DH spot with Encarnacion moving to first base.

Jon Heyman recently wrote that the Blue Jays don’t expect that they will have the financial flexibility to sign Saunders. Even with his recent struggles, this would be a big loss. He seems to have found his stroke this season, launching a career-high 23 bombs thus far. Outfield is the only really loaded position in this weak free agent class, and an offense-needy ball club may shell out greater money than expected.

While it would be sad to see a Canadian depart from his homeland, Saunders will be overpaid on the free agent market, just as every player is. If he was the only big free agent in Toronto, that might change things. But at this point, Upton is signed through next season and it wouldn’t be smart to overspend on a position of strength.

Verdict: Let him walk regardless of other free agent decisions

Next: Joey Bats