The Marlins have had internal discussions about bringing Ichiro Suzuki back into the fold for the 2016 season, manager Dan Jennings told Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter links). Jennings offered high praise for the 41-year-old Ichiro, calling him the “most prepared player” he’s been around and citing him as a good example for the club’s younger players.
From a purely offensive standpoint, Ichiro has hit well enough to remain a viable fourth outfielder. His overall production is about 10 percent below the league average due to a lack of power, but he’s hitting .289 with a .342 on-base percentage and a .338 slugging percentage.
In terms of defense and baserunning, however — two areas that were once arguably his greatest strengths — Ichiro has struggled. He’s 6-for-10 in stolen base attempts this year and rates out at one run below average on the basepaths, per Fangraphs. Both Ultimate Zone Rating and Defensive Runs Saved feel that Ichiro is overmatched even in the corners at this point of his career, as DRS has him at -7 runs total (all three outfield spots combined), while UZR is a somewhat more favorable -2.6 (though that’s -15.2 when pro-rated to 150 games).
The net result of his play to this point has been sub-replacement level per both rWAR and fWAR, although there are certainly some marketing considerations that have to be considered in regards to Ichiro as well. In addition to his international popularity, the future Hall of Famer will likely be chasing his 3,000th Major League hit in earnest next season. Currently 115 hits shy with 2,885 already in the books, Ichiro’s current pace would leave him with 2,949 hits in his career at season’s end. Even if he falls shy of that mark, he’ll almost certainly be within 80-100 hits of 3,000, barring some form of injury.
It’s not known to what extent Ichiro reciprocates the Marlins’ interest, although he spoke late in Spring Training about feeling an immediate sense of loyalty to the Marlins after their offseason interest in him at this late stage in his career.
I think they should. A contract in the $2 million range would probably keep him there as the 4th outfielder while he works on getting his 3,000 hits. Classy move on both parts.
I actually was hoping he would be someone whom the Mets would target at the deadline. I think Ichiro would be a great 4th Outfielder for them, provide a nice/late defensive replacement, speed off the bench, potential good pinch hitter who could provide a good at bat late in the game. He would also dramatically improve that bench.
I would think there would be some marketing opportunities around reaching/exceeding 4,256 hits in his combined career as well.
What a career! He’s already in the Japanese BB Hall, and I would think is a lock for Cooperstown as well. I don’t recall reading ANYTHING about him during his career except in regards to his play on the field – no scandals, no legal issues, just a real class individual. I’ve always enjoyed watching him play, and I certainly hope somebody gives him the chance to get that 3,000th hit.
I think the internal comments revolve around if they can sell a couple hundred more tickets with Ichiro tottering to the plate come 2016.
He’ll get his 3000th somewhere, if not with Miami…an amazing milestone given his years spent in Japan.
Who’s reporting this, the St. Louis Cardinals?
I don’t believe any source unless the Cardinals report it
I guess you might as well get whatever laughs you can out of that line for now…
Comedy is all timing… This will all simmer down and we’ll have to wait for a new generation of espionage
The Marlins need to do this. Right now. Today.
Considering that both UZR and DRS are extremely inaccurate until you get to about 4000 innings played, I would say quoting either as a defining stat for 2.5 months of play is a little specious.
I would love to see him playing everyday to really see if he can hit .300 again but that is becoming more of a dream these days :( Anyway, I have made this very short called “Area 51” to tribute his extreme professionalism.
link to vimeo.com