Report: Ichiro still seeks MLB job, return to Japan unlikely
Ichiro Suzuki doesn't appear ready to hang up his cleats just yet.
The 44-year-old former MVP is still holding out hope for an MLB job, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, who reports Ichiro hasn't seriously considered a return to Japan.
Ichiro had his $2-million club option declined by the Miami Marlins after the 2017 campaign and has been looking for work since.
"I feel like a big dog at a pet shop that hasn't been sold," he told Kyodo News in December. "Of course, I want to play baseball next year. I, too, will do my best."
The veteran, who hit over .300 for 10 consecutive seasons from 2001-2010, appeared in 136 games for Miami last season, but only made 215 plate appearances. He hit .255/.318/.332 with 20 RBIs.
Among the other free-agent hitters similar to Ichiro are fellow veteran outfielders Matt Holliday, Jayson Werth, and Andre Ethier.