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Jan. 16, 2017 / 5:00 PM

Philadelphia Phillies sign OF Michael Saunders for $9 million

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Michael Saunders is called out on strikes during the ninth inning of game 1 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 14, 2016. Cleveland won 2-0. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI

1 of 3 | Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Michael Saunders is called out on strikes during the ninth inning of game 1 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 14, 2016. Cleveland won 2-0. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Free agent Michael Saunders hoped to be swinging for the Toronto Blue Jays again in 2017.

But on Monday, the outfielder agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to multiple reports. Saunders hit .253, with a career-high 24 home runs and 57 RBI last season for the Blue Jays.

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"I'm waiting for the right deal for me and my family. I'm hoping to stay in Toronto and hopefully finding out soon," Saunders told Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith Saturday.

Saunders, 30, earned his first All-Star selection in 2016, before tanking in the second half.

While Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports was the first to report the deal, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal later added that the pact has a $11 million club option for 2018. The deal can jump to $14 million with escalators, according to MLB.com. It also includes a $1 million buyout.

Saunders played the first six years of his career for the Seattle Mariners before joinging the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015.

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