MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Michael Saunders

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have seemingly been in the market for a platoon outfielder every offseason since losing Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz after the 2014 season. That approach failed the team in 2015, as the duo of Alejandro De Aza and Travis Snider both struggled and were eventually released. The Orioles got much better results in 2016, catching lightning in a bottle with Mark Trumbo, and getting better-than-expected results from Hyun Soo Kim and Joey Rickard.

Trumbo is a free agent this winter, and could conceivably return to the Orioles. Even if Trumbo does return to Baltimore on a long-term deal, he could be slated to DH instead of playing right field. If that is the case, the Orioles will need another outfielder who is capable of splitting time with Rickard and Kim in the corners.

Saunders is a very good potential fit for the Orioles as a left-handed power bat. The team skews very heavily right-handed, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards feels like a perfect fit for Saunders’ swing. In eight games in Baltimore in 2016, Saunders batted .448 with four doubles and five home runs. While those gaudy numbers may say more about the pitiful Orioles pitching staff, Camden Yards is clearly a good hitting environment for Saunders. Replacing Trumbo’s power will be difficult if he walks, but with the right players and the right platoon, the Orioles can come close. Michael Saunders looks like a potential part of the solution.