Negotiations between the Milwaukee Brewers and Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki went down to the wire, but sides were able to reach an agreement before Tuesday’s deadline. Aoki signed a two-year contract with the Brewers that includes a club option for 2014. Milwaukee won the right to negotiate with Aoki in December, submitting a posting fee of $2.5 million.
Aoki has spent the last eight seasons playing in Japan for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. During his Japanese career, Aoki managed a batting average of .329 with 84 home runs, 385 RBI’s and 164 stolen bases over 985 contests. The 30-year-old has won three batting titles and six Gold Glove Awards.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has not yet set a role for Aoki, instead saying that spring training will allow Milwaukee to get a better read on their newest outfielder.
Following the announcement, Melvin told reporters that while negotiations were ongoing, Aoki never asked about playing time. Melvin got the feeling that Aoki was confident he can prove his skill set to the Brewers, and that the Japanese native is excited for the challenge of playing in the major leagues.
For more on the Brewers, be sure to check out Reviewing the Brew.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.