World Series Opponent Aoki May Land Giants Left Fielder Job After $4 Million Deal
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The San Francisco Giants have agreed to term with free agent outfielder Nori Aoki on a one-year contract, according to a published report.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported the former member of the Giants' 2014 World Series opponent Kansas City Royals has a $4 million deal with a $5.5 million option for 2016 and a $700,000 buyout.
The contract is potentially worth $12 million over two years with performance bonuses included, according to the Chronicle.
Aside from the Royals last year, the 33-year-old Aoki also played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2012 and 2013 after a stellar seven-year career in Japan's major league. He also played for the Japanese national team in two World Baseball Classics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Aoki, a career .287 hitter in the U.S., is known for his unusual batting style, his low strikeout numbers, and for being able to hit the ball to anywhere on the field while challenging fielders with his speed. He's also averaged 25 stolen bases over the past three seasons.
