Ichiro Suzuki is still “on the verge” of re-signing with the New York Yankees, although the framework of their agreement has now apparently changed; now, it looks like the 39-year-old outfielder will be getting a two-year deal to stay in the Bronx, reportedly worth around $12-$14 million.
Earlier in the off-season, it was posited that Ichiro would be getting a one-year deal worth somewhere in the range of $5 million. However, as the New York Post’s Joel Sherman Tweeted Thursday afternoon, the Yankees learned that it would require a two-year deal to keep Suzuki in pinstripes.
Later in the afternoon, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman Tweeted that Ichiro had told the team he wanted to remain in New York, and that he had turned down a pair of larger two-year contract offers from other teams to do so.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, one of those deals was a $14 million deal from Philadelphia, with the Daily News’ Mark Feinsand reporting that the other is believed to be a $15 million offer from San Francisco.
Either way, Ichiro seems to be bound for right field in Yankee Stadium in 2013, but it now appears as if he could be there in 2014 as well. As always, stay tuned to YESNetwork.com as further details emerge.
Ichiro aside, the Yankees did reportedly get one official piece of good news on the free agent front Thursday; as Jack Curry Tweeted, according to sources, Kevin Youkilis has passed his physical, and the team will officially announce his one-year deal soon.
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