Nori Aoki looking for three year deal

Free agent outfielder Nori Aoki is drawing some early interest on the open market and is reportedly looking for a three year deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Aoki is a career .287/.353/.387 hitter over his three seasons in the major leagues, showing a remarkable consistency at the plate. While he was never projected as a big power hitter, Aoki’s home run totals have dropped in each of his three seasons and he hit just one in 2014. His defensive strengths, modest speed on the bases (averaging 25 stolen bases a year), and solid plate discipline (141 walks, 144 strikeouts) are certain benefits that can make up for the lack of power.

Aoki first came to the major leagues prior to the 2012 season, having been posted by his former team in Japan – the Yakult Swallows – and signing with the Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee traded him to the Kansas City Royals last December.

Over eight seasons in Japan before joining the Brewers, Aoki batted .329/.402/.454 – winning three batting titles, appearing in seven All Star Games, and taking home six Gold Glove Awards.

Heyman notes that the Cincinnati Reds and Royals have been linked to Aoki already, though the Royals interest is dependent on whether the team is able to sign Torii Hunter instead. Both provide the defensive consistencies the franchise is looking for, but Hunter provides more power at the plate. The Reds are expected to look for someone to play left field, after declining their option on Ryan Ludwick. The team’s been linked to Mike Morse as well, but Aoki could prove to be an alternate option.