Mariners interested in free-agent outfielder Aoki

SEATTLE — After a break for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Seattle Mariners are back to stoking the Hot Stove with free-agent outfielder Nori Aoki emerging as their latest possible target.

“At this point,” one industry source said, “there appears to be real interest (in Aoki) from the Mariners. Whether that leads to a deal is anybody’s guess.”

Aoki, 33, fits the Mariners’ new preferred profile as an athletic player with on-base skills. He has a .287 average and a .353 on-base percentage in four seasons since coming to the big leagues after eight seasons in Japan.

But he comes with some risk.

Aoki finished last season the disabled list because of post-concussion issues after being hit in the head Aug. 9 by a pitch from Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs.

While Aoki continued to play for a while after the incident, he eventually went to the disabled list in early September after experiencing light-headedness and remained there for the remainder of the season.

Concern over his recovery likely played a role in San Francisco’s decision not to exercise a $5.5 million option for next season. The Giants’ decision, announced Nov. 4, turned Aoki into a free agent.

Aoki also missed a month midway through last season because of a fracture in his right fibula (calf bone). In all, he played just 93 games, but he still matched his career norms with a .287 average and .353 OBP.

Prior to last season, Aoki averaged 146 games while playing in 2012-13 for Milwaukee and 2014 for Kansas City. He signed a one-year deal last January with the Giants for $4.7 million that included a club option.

The Mariners’ interest in Aoki comes after efforts to acquire outfielder Marcell Ozuna from Miami appeared to stall over the Marlins’ demand for pitcher Taijuan Walker in return.

Winter notables

Lefty swingman Vidal Nuno concluded his time last week at Aragua in Venezuela by going 5-1 with a 1.98 ERA in seven starts. Nuno planned all along to return home for Thanksgiving.

Other notables

• Utilityman Pat Kivlehan, added recently to the 40-man roster, had hits in each of his first five games after joining Escogido in the Dominican Winter League.

• First baseman Kyle Petty, a 23rd-round pick in 2013, continues to rake for Adelaide in the Australian League. He is batting .372 in 22 games and leads the league with eight homers. Nobody else has more than four homers.

Fanfest tickets

Tickets are now on sale for the Mariners’ 18th annual FanFest, which runs Jan. 30-31 at Safeco Field. They can be purchased at www.Mariners.com or at Mariners’ team stores.

The cost is $10 for adults but those aged 14 and under get in free. The cost is $10 for adults but those aged 14 and under get in free. The closest team store to Everett is located at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.

The annual FanFest includes interaction with players, coaches and front-office personnel. Fans can also tour the Mariners’ clubhouse and take part in numerous interactive activities.

A list of club personnel scheduled to attend will be released at a later date.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.