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Ichiro Suzuki said that he’s hoping to play his 2016 season with the Miami Marlins.
The 41-year-old unrestricted free agent was asked whether or not he would like to return to Miami after one season. He responded, “Of course.”
Asked if he would like to return to #marlins next season, Ichiro Suzuki (.229 BA, 9.00 ERA) replied "Of course."
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) October 5, 2015
The outfielder had a .229/.282/.279 batting line in 438 plate appearances this season. It marked the lowest BA season in the 15-year MLB career of the future Hall of Famer. Ichiro will turn 42 before the start of the next season, which lowers his value to any team. He knows he won’t receive a lucrative deal, but the biggest reason he might want to return next season is to reach the coveted 3000-hit club.
The magic number is 65 for the 10-time Gold Glover and All-Star. Ichiro currently has 2935 hits throughout his career. If he does resign with the Marlins, he should have the opportunity off the bench to accumulate the 65 hits he needs to become only the 30th player in MLB history to reach the milestone.
