Veteran outfielder Michael Saunders has announced his retirement as a player, telling Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi that he’ll hang up his spikes after suiting up next month for Team Canada as it attempts to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. Saunders did not play professionally in 2019 — his first season of inactivity since he kicked off his minor-league career in 2005.
With the end of his playing career now firmly in sight, Saunders is moving onto the next phase of his baseball journey. The 32-year-old revealed that the Braves have named him the manager of their Rookie-level affiliate in the Appalachian League.
Originally selected in the 11th round of the 2004 draft, Saunders moved steadily up the ranks of the Mariners farm system and debuted in the majors in 2009 at 22 years of age. Saunders struggled to gain traction until 2012, when he kicked off a three-year run over which he slashed .248/.320/.423 (111 OPS+) in 1,284 plate appearances.
After being swapped to the Blue Jays, Saunders endured an injury-crushed 2015 campaign before turning in his best full season in the majors in the ensuing year. Over 558 plate appearances in 2016, Saunders launched 24 home runs and turned in a strong .253/.338/.478 batting line.
Unfortunately, the bulk of the damage he did in 2016 came in the first half of the year. That earned Saunders an All-Star nod but also meant that he hit the open market with a questionable outlook, ultimately landing a $9MM guarantee from the Phillies on a one-year deal with a club option. He ended up falling well shy of expectations and was cut loose mid-season.
Saunders appeared briefly again with the Blue Jays late in 2017 but hasn’t been back in the majors since. He signed minors deals with the Pirates, Royals, Orioles, White Sox, and Rockies — appearing at the top affiliates of the Baltimore and Chicago organizations in 2018 — but was unable to generate positive momentum.
Ultimately, Saunders wraps up his playing career with at least some time in nine MLB campaigns. Over 2,747 career plate appearances, he carried a .232/.305/.397 batting line. MLBTR wishes Saunders well in his new pursuit.
Still waiting for the day they sign a different All-Star to manage in the Braves system….
Like Chipper or Smoltz
Chipper would only manage if he could hunt between innings.
Can’t deer hunt in March and by the time the minor league season is over bow season will be open so he can manage and not miss really any hunting. Still a funny comment tho
We‘ll never forget 2016! Well, the first half anyway. Also memorable for getting hurt on a spring training sprinkler. I’m getting off track here, so on a serious note, I’m glad he got to live out the Canadian dream of playing for the Jays. Good luck in your future endeavours.
Pretty much sums up what I’d have posted, but I’d add too that I remember him as the only Jay (other than Donaldson) who actually hit well in the 2016 ALCS against Cleveland. Also in that same season I remember that time when he hit three homers in one game when they crushed the Orioles in Baltimore.
Best of luck, Michael. For whatever reason I did extremely well with you at the plate in MLB 15: The Show.
Good guy. Happy to hear he’s staying in baseball. I have no doubt he will do well managing.
Will always be remembered for wrongfully getting 2016 all star nod over George Springer
Maybe to Astros fans, but I really don’t think that’s how he’ll be remembered to people who care about things that matter.
Springer got Fred McGriff’ed.
Springer is obviously still playing and thriving so… is it relevant to bring this up and attempt to stain a players biggest accomplishment? Sounds petty and boring. Congrats to The Condor he had some really special moments, but moments don’t make a career. Best of luck to him.
Good for him. He enjoyed his career, had some bright moments, plenty of money to take care of his family, and now gets to stay in the game he loves.
ah what a career he had in Philly…
I think his stay with the Pirates was less than a week
Shouldn’t the article discuss how he got this braves job, via his connection with Anthopolous?
I think Jeff Todd posted the link to the ad on Craigslist that the Braves put up, so he probably applied through that, sent in his resume, and got the job. It’s hard to find anybody that wants to work up in the Appalachian Mountains, so hopefully he succeeds.
I suspect a Canadian collusion and call for an investigation.
Saunders has played a lot of ball and knows the game. I’m sure he’ll be a good manager.
Man I remember that trade where the Angels were supposed to get him and the Blue Jays would have gotten Jay Bruce
ah yes, the move to replace the LF platoon of Daniel Nava and Craig Gentry. Yes non Halo fans, you read that right.
And what happens to him if the minor leagues realignment occurs?
He’s made millions…..he’ll be fine