MIAMI: Ichiro Suzuki, a two-time American League batting champion nearing a Major League Baseball milestone, has signed a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins, the team announced Tuesday.
The 41-year-old Japanese outfielder, who needs only 156 hits to reach the coveted 3,000 mark in his North American career, is likely to be a reserve fielder and pinch hitter for the National League club.
Suzuki, a 10-time All-Star, is the first Japanese players in the history of the Marlins.
His deal is reportedly worth $2 million but does not include an option for 2016.
Suzuki has a .317 batting average with 112 home runs and 487 stolen bases since leaving his homeland in 2001. Last season he hit .284 with one homer and 22 runs batted in over 143 games with the New York Yankees.
Suzuki, the American League Rookie of the year and Most Valuable Player while with Seattle in 2001, has won 10 Gold Glove awards for his fielding skills. He was traded by the Mariners to the Yankees in 2012.
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