The Seattle Mariners who made big news earlier today by extending ace right-hander Felix Hernandez to a seven-year $175 million deal, also announced they have reached an agreement with free-agent left-hander Joe Saunders on a one-year deal. The deal is pending passing a physical and financial terms of the deal were not announced.
The Baltimore Orioles who traded for the left-hander with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season were said to be interested in bringing the Saunders back. The 31-year-old Saunders went 3-3 with a 3.63 ERA in seven regular season starts for the Orioles. Saunders will replace Jason Vargas with the Mariners traded to the Los Angeles Angels in December for first baseman Kendrys Morales. Saunders is 78-65 with an ERA of 4.15 in 189 career major league starts.
