Norichika Aoki’s market looks to be developing.
According to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, the Orioles, Reds, and Mariners are among the possible landing spots for the 32-year-old free agent corner outfielder.
Heyman suspects that Aoki will be able to find a two- or three-year deal worth around $7-8 million annually.
Aoki isn’t much of a power threat -- he slugged just one home run in 132 games this past season for the Royals -- but he boasts a .287 career batting average and .353 career on-base percentage in over 1,800 major league plate appearances. Aoki has also stolen 67 bases in 438 games since leaving his native Japan to sign a $2.5 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in January 2012.
That speed and the OBP production make him a good fit for the top of many lineups.
