The signing would give the Mariners a high on-base percentage hitter with serviceable defensive skills. Aoki must pass a physical after he was hit in the head by a pitch in August.
The Seattle Mariners added another high on-base percentage player to their roster Wednesday, agreeing to terms with free-agent outfielder Nori Aoki, according to baseball sources.
The contract is for one year with an option for a second year, the sources said.
The deal is pending because Aoki must pass a physical. And that isn’t a given because of a concussion that sidetracked his season in August.
Aoki was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list Aug. 13 by the San Francisco Giants. He was hit on the head by a pitch Aug. 9 by Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. Aoki played in two games, then went on the disabled list.
He returned Aug. 20 and appeared in 13 games (11 starts) but was still bothered by the effects from the concussion. He visited a concussion specialist in early September and didn’t play again.
Aoki’s agent, Nez Balelo, told CBS sports in November: “He feels great. He has been cleared medically. He’s 100 percent.”
Aoki, 33, hit .287 with a .353 on-base percentage in 93 games for the Giants this past season, including 12 doubles, three triples, five homers and 26 RBI.
Before being hit by the pitch, Aoki was batting .305 with a .365 on-base percentage.
Though Aoki can be quite productive at the plate, he is serviceable at best in the outfield. He’s played primarily right field the past few seasons but also has experience in left field.
The Giants declined to pick up a $5.5 million club option on Aoki for 2016. He made $4 million last season with San Fransisco.