Ichiro, Yankees Agree On Two-Year Deal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In 2011, Derek Jeter became the first -- and for now, only -- player to record hit No. 3,000 with the Yankees.
Ichiro Suzuki will get a legitimate shot to join him.
The Yankees and Ichiro have agreed on a two-year deal for likely $13 million, WFAN and CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reported Friday.
Ichiro turned down a pair of more lucrative offers before agreeing to re-up with New York, according to Heyman.
With 2,606 career hits, the 39-year-old outfielder is 394 shy of the 3,000 milestone. Ichiro has averaged 217 hits over 12 seasons in the major leagues, though he recorded a career-low 178 in 2012.
Ichiro was traded to New York from Seattle last season, finishing with an average of .283 with 55 RBIs. He had a resurgent finish, batting .322 with 73 hits and 27 RBIs with the competitive Yankees.
WFAN's Craig Carton reported Ichiro's decision to remain with the Bombers on Wednesday.
Alex Rodriguez, who will miss a chunk of the season with hip injury, is also within reach of 3,000 hits with 2,901.
Welcome Ichiro back in the comments!
