Seattle Mariners: Is it fitting for Ichiro Suzuki to return home?
Last week, Ichiro Suzuki agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Seattle Mariners. The 44-year-old outfielder is returning to where it all began. The legend in the United States and his native country of Japan may be aging, but he’s still hungry.
It seems that Ichiro has been brought back to the Seattle Mariners, due to the Mariners’ injury-riddled outfield. The 2001 Rookie of the Year may be aged, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll hang up his cleats anytime soon. It’s believed that Ichiro has a desire to play until he’s 50, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Looking good, Ichiro. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/eRS8MAL4z5
— MLB (@MLB) March 11, 2018
Ichiro says to return and play for the Mariners again is very special. Truth be told, it’s only fitting for him to return to the club where he began his career in Major League Baseball. It would indeed be fitting if it were for his final season before retirement, but as we know, he has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
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Ichiro is coming off a 2017 season where he finished in several career-lows. Last season, he became oldest player since 1900 to start in centerfield. At the moment, Ichiro is competing for a spot on the 40-man Opening Day roster.
We can certainly expect to see Ichiro step in a to play in the outfield this season. We’ll also see him serve as the team’s designated hitter.
Despite that he has no history of injuries, we still have to hope that he can stay healthy. It seems that despite being 44, Ichiro is apparently still in good shape.
The deal he signed had to be pending a physical test. And if the agreement successfully came through, then it means Ichiro passed the physical. So there’s honestly nothing to worry about regarding his health and physical shape.
Next: Mariners 2018 Season Preview
The Seattle Mariners made a good investment to bring him back home. Ichiro’s expertise and vast knowledge of the game provide leadership in the clubhouse, which ought to be a big help for the struggling team.