Updated 06:01 AM EDT, Tue, Mar 19, 2024

MLB Trade Rumors 2014: New York Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki Could Go To San Francisco Giants

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The New York Yankees could still trade veteran hitter Ichiro Suzuki before spring training, and the San Francisco Giants appear to be the most ideal destination for the former American League MVP.

Boston Globe baseball insider Nick Cafardo reported Wednesday that the Yankee might still move the legendary Japanese hitter to the West Coast because of the influx of outfielders on their roster.

"It'll be interesting to see whether in the next few weeks the Yankees can move him. With Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, Alfonso Soriano, and Vernon Wells also in a crowded outfield, Ichiro, who can still play defense but can't hit at the level he used to, could be a functional player for someone. The Giants always remain a possibility," Cafardo stated.

Suzuki on Becoming a Giant

The 40-year old Suzuki will enter the final year of his two-year, $13-million deal with the Yankees. Suzuki has been one of the most consistent hitters in the history of MLB baseball, accumulating at least 200 hits in his first 10 seasons with the Mariners.

However, Suzuki's production plunged dramatically over the last two years, failing to reach his usual hits counts in his final season with the M's and last year's campaign with the Yankees.

Meanwhile, the Giants have signed slugger Michael Morse to plug in the void in left field. Moreover, the team has already a speedster in Gregor Blanco, who provides the team a base-running option.

"Sukuki posted a .262 batting average with 25 extra-base hits and 20 stolen bases. He would supply the Giants with speed and defensive reliability off the bench, but at what cost?," Rant Sports writer John Shea stated in his latest article.

"San Francisco already has a dependable player of that caliber on the roster. Speedy outfielder Gregor Blanco is arguably better than Suzuki at this juncture of their respective careers," he added.

According to Shea, the Yankees' only chance to trade Suzuki is to give the Giants a reasonable asking price in exchange for the Japanese hitter.

The Giants are looking to add depth to their roster after injuries to key stars exposed their weaknesses last season. Suzuki, who remains a pretty solid defender and clutch hitter, could give the ball club a solid boost off the bench.

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