Free agent outfielder Nori Aoki is looking for a three-year deal, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (Twitter link). He’s currently drawing interest from both the Reds and the Royals, although Kansas City at the moment is said to be more interested in Torii Hunter, Heyman adds.
Aoki batted .285/.349/.360 in his lone season with the Royals and played a key role from a defensive standpoint as the team made its way to the World Series. However, he’s seen a precipitous drop in his power since coming to the Majors. After hitting 10 homers as a rookie with the Brewers in 2012, he hit eight in 2013 and just one in 2014. His isolated power dropped from .144 in 2012 to .084 in 2013 and .075 in 2014, although a portion of the most recent dip could at least be attributed to moving to the spacious Kauffman Stadium.
The Reds are in need of a left fielder and are said to also be targeting Mike Morse, while Kansas City has been linked to a reunion with Aoki on more than one occasion. However, there wouldn’t be room for both Hunter and Aoki in K.C., so it seems that for the time being, Aoki is on the back burner as GM Dayton Moore looks to add some punch to his lineup in the form of the veteran Hunter.
MLBTR’s Charlie Wilmoth recently profiled the 32-year-old Aoki and suggested that he could land something in the range of two-year, $16MM contract.
I think he could get a three year deal, but just not at a high AAV. Less than $10 million per season on a 3 yr deal would work.
That I still even doubt. He will be a 33 year old outfielder with absolutely no power.
I like Aoki but hes definitely regressed year on year.
Im not sure he’ll get three years, im more inclined to go with Charlie’s two year prediction.
If he did get three years, hes going to have take a fair hit on AAV, maybe even 3/18.
His last two years in the majors are pretty much in line with what he did in his last year in Japan, so it’s certainly who he is at this point.
As a GM I’d rather sign Ichiro for 1 year than Aoki for 3 years.
I’d say that depends how much each guy wants and what their role will be (Starter or bench)
“His isolated power dropped from .144 in 2012 to .084 in 2013 and .075 in
2014, although a portion of the most recent dip could at least be
attributed to moving to the spacious Kauffman Stadium”
Nope
2014 ISO
At Kauffman – .097
Away – .055
Career ISO
At Kauffman – .104
Away – .097
Really wishing the Braves could sign someone like Aoki. Would solve their lead-off hitting woes, great plate discipline, and provides solid defense even if he took a step back last season.
Yes, his defense kind of scares me. He has the tendency to take horrendous routes to the ball. Although I guess if it gets the job done in Kauffman of all places then you can’t complain.
And trade one of Upton or Heyward? That is a big step back. The reason that Aoki isn’t desirable is that he only plays a corner outfield.
If I were the Jays, I would pick him up at 2 years for $16 in a heartbeat!
It would be a great option if Melky doesn’t re-sign.
I wonder if the Cubs are taking a look at him at all. They did say they’re looking to add a veteran OF, and they could use a patient bat in their lineup. And he’d be pretty cheap for them.
Aoki is a pretty tough one to figure out.
He’s old enough that you have to take the lack of power is his true game, which won’t likely change. He has above-average bat control, contact, and OBP skills. He has good speed but isn’t a base stealer. He has a great glove. To me, he’s a really good all-around 3-4th OF, a great player off the bench for a team, but not quite an everyday player ESP if you’re starved for offense.