Canadian Michael Saunders signs minor-league deal with Pirates

Eric Hosmer introduced as a Padre, plus Steven Souza Jr. goes to the D-backs as part of a three-team trade, and Yu Darvish impresses in his first taste of live bp with the Cubs.

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed free agent outfielder Michael Saunders to a minor league contract and invited him to major league spring training.

The Pirates announced the move Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Victoria native hit a combined .202 with six home runs and 21 RBIs in 73 games for Philadelphia and Toronto last season.

Saunders was an AL All-Star in 2016 with the Blue Jays, hitting 24 homers with 57 RBIs while batting .253.

Saunders is a career .232 hitter with 81 home runs and 263 RBIs in 775 games with Seattle, the Phillies and Blue Jays.

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