One of the last remaining offensive forces on the free agent market has signed – Nori Aoki is heading to the San Francisco Giants on a one-year deal for $4.7 million guaranteed.
I'm told Nori Aoki agreed to one-year deal with #sfgiants. Fills hole in outfield.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) January 16, 2015
aoki gets $4.7M guarantee. $4M salary for 2015, plus 700K buyout on 2016 option. can make 12.5M max
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 16, 2015
The 33-year old Aoki had another solid year in 2014, his first with the Royals. In 132 games, Aoki hit .285/.349/.360, homering just once but swiping 17 bases. He also walked 43 times and just 49 strikeouts. He was also one of the most prolific contact hitters in the game, connecting with 90.8% of the pitches he swung at. Contact rate is getting preached to a ridiculous degree this offseason following the Postseason success of the Royals, Aoki’s former team.
Oddly enough, Aoki will head to the team that beat his Royals in the World Series, the San Francisco Giants. The Giants fudged it in left field last year with Michael Morse, Tyler Colvin, Gregor Blanco, and Juan Perez all logging significant playing time at the position. Morse could hit, but couldn’t field. Perez could field, but couldn’t hit. Colvin couldn’t do either, and Blanco was about average at both and is probably best used as a fourth outfielder. Considering the iffy health of center fielder Angel Pagan, he’ll probably be needed in center a decent bit in 2015, necessitating the signing of another outfielder following Morse signing with the Marlins to serve as their first baseman.
The guaranteed money on this deal is a steal for the Giants, considering some of the other contracts dished out this winter. Aoki for one year and $4.7 million is a bargain compared to Alex Rios for one year and $11 million or Nick Markakis for four years and $44 million. Aoki apparently had other offers for more years and more money, but decided on San Francisco because of (among other reasons) the chance to win a World Series. Well, maybe not in 2015, but if the Even Year Giants strike again, 2016 is looking like a good bet.
aoki was offered multiyear deals for more guaranteed $ elsewhere. said to want SF for city/contender/playing time combo
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 16, 2015
And Colby Rasmus remains the final domino left to fall. Get on it, Orioles.
