Ichiro Suzuki Traded To The New York Yankees For Two Prospects

Photo Credit: Keith Allison

This evening, the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees have agreed on a trade that would send ten-time All-Star outfielder, Ichiro Suzuki to the Yankees in exchange for two right-handed prospects in DJ Mitchell and Danny Farquhar. Cash considerations were also reported to be involved.

The New York Yankees have had great success with Asian players. The last Asian athlete to wear the pinstripes was Hideki Matsui. Matsui was a great contributor for the Yankees and helped the team win the 2009 World Series, in which Matsui was named the Most Valuable Player.

That was then, this is now.

Once again, another Asian player will be entering Yankees Stadium. Ichiro Suzuki, a player that has managed to rack up 2,533 hits in 12 seasons, will be joining the “Bombers” for another run at this year’s World Series.

With left fielder Brett Gardner likely out for the entire season due to arthroscopic elbow surgery, Suzuki looks to fill in that well-needed outfield role.

The New York Yankees have hit Derek Jeter in the leadoff spot for the majority of the season. It would be interesting to see how the Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi juggles the lineup to where he sees fit.

Nonetheless, regardless of Suzuki’s spot in the lineup, the 38-year-old outfielder is sure to give the Yankees some needed speed on the bases, in addition to having a consistent outfielder on the team roster.

Currently, Ichiro Suzuki is batting .261, 4 homeruns and 28 RBIs for the season.

Source: New York Yankees/MLB, Baseball Reference