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MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Michael Saunders

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders (21) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders (21) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) and center fielder Denard Span (2) and relief pitcher Santiago Casilla (46) and catcher Buster Posey (28) celebrate after the end of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. The Giants defeated the Dodgers 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) and center fielder Denard Span (2) and relief pitcher Santiago Casilla (46) and catcher Buster Posey (28) celebrate after the end of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. The Giants defeated the Dodgers 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco Giants

The Giants have a definite need at two major positions on their roster — left field and closer. With this year’s deep closer class, which includes Mark Melancon, Kenley Jansen, and Aroldis Chapman, expect San Francisco to pay up for at least one. All three should eclipse the largest reliever contract in baseball history, Jonathan Papelbon’s four years and $50 million.

Last winter, the Giants sunk over $200 million into starting pitchers Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. They have also given out big extensions to Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt. Madison Bumgarner will need a long-term contract very soon. While it may be nice to envision the Giants having another aggressive winter and signing Yoenis Cespedes to play left field and Kenley Jansen to close, that is not realistic.

The most realistic scenario has the Giants signing Melancon and an outfielder like Saunders who should not see more than $40 million on the open market. While not flashy, Saunders fits in well with the roster the Giants have built — solid, all-around ballplayers but not outright stars save Buster Posey. The slump Saunders endured in the second half last season was ugly, but he was far from the only member of the Jays to struggle. Surrounded by an entire lineup that excels at putting the ball in play and keeping traffic on the bases, Saunders could flourish over a full season.

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