Blue Jays trade LHP J.A. Happ to Mariners for OF Michael Saunders

The Blue Jays have traded starting pitcher J.A. Happ to the Mariners in exchange for outfielder Michael Saunders, the team announced Wednesday. 

Happ, 32, went 11-11 in 26 starts for Toronto last season. He had a 4.22 ERA and 1.335 WHIP in 158 innings. He could become a free agent after next season. 

Saunders, 28, batted .273 in 78 games last season with Seattle with a .341 on-base percentage. He can play all three outfield positions but has been used mostly in center and right. 

• Report: Jon Lester likely to make decision before end of week​

The Mariners signed free agent outfielderNelson Cruz last week, though he will likely play mostly as a designated hitter. 

The Blue Jays have been busy this offseason, signing Russell Martin as a free agent and acquiring Josh Donaldsonin a trade with the A's. 

The team also announced Wednesday it had signed first baseman Justin Smoak to a one-year contract.

• A's GM Billy Beane denies trading Josh Donaldson due to spat​

- Dan Gartland