MIAMI — Ichiro Suzuki signed a $2 million, one-year contract Tuesday to remain with the Miami Marlins in hopes of reaching 3,000 hits.
Suzuki, who turns 42 on Oct. 22, is tied for 33rd on Major League Baseball’s hits list with 2,935. He also had 1,278 in Japan.
Suzuki had 91 hits in 153 games for the Marlins this year but batted a career-low .229, dropping his career average to .314. His slugging percentage was .279, the lowest among all major league players with more than 300 at-bats. But injuries to other outfielders, including slugger Giancarlo Stanton, made him a regular.
Suzuki batted .139 after Aug. 31, and Marlins officials acknowledged they played him more than planned. But they believe he’s capable of another productive season.
“He’s in the best shape of any player I’ve seen at any age,” team president David Samson said.
Suzuki, a 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, pitched for the first time in his 15-year major league career in the Marlins’ season finale Sunday, throwing one inning at Philadelphia.
Suzuki spent his first 11-plus season in the majors with the Seattle Mariners (2001-2012). He set the major-league record for hits in a season with 262 in 2004.
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