March 29, 2024

Yankees acquire Ichiro from Mariners

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SEATTLE (MCT) — The move caused shock waves in two nations.

Almost as surprising, it was a deal not on either team’s radar a week ago.

The Yankees acquired Ichiro Suzuki and cash considerations Monday from the Mariners for two minor-league pitchers, the second big deal the franchises have made this year.

But this was a far cry from the offseason blockbuster that sent Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi to the Pacific Northwest and Michael Pineda and Jose Campos east.

This is a 2½-month rental of a possible future Hall of Famer whom the Yankees hope is rejuvenated by heading from the last-place Mariners to the first-place Yankees.

“I’m going from a team that has the most losses to a team that has the most wins,” said Ichiro — who started in rightfield and batted eighth Monday night — through his translator. “It’s been hard to contain my excitement in that regard.”

General manager Brian Cashman said the move came together this week, picking up steam in the days after it was announced leftfielder Brett Gardner would be lost for the season because of surgery on his strained right elbow.

Enter Ichiro, who, because of the Mariners’ youth movement, told ownership three weeks ago to explore the possibility of a trade. With the Gardner news last week, discussions took place between Mariners president Chuck Armstrong and Yankees president Randy Levine.

“Randy asked me, would you have an interest in Ichiro, there might be something here that could make sense,” Cashman said on a conference call. “And from there we went.”

The Mariners received righthanded pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar.

What are the Yankees getting?

Joe Girardi hopes Ichiro, even though the 10-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner’s numbers have been down in recent years, can replace much of what the Yankees have been missing with Gardner out.

“People have said, you have the best record, how do you miss Gardy?” Girardi said. “Well, he’s the one guy that creates and causes havoc on our club that we haven’t had.”

The Japanese icon, who wore No. 31 on Monday night, will play primarily in left once Nick Swisher returns from a hip flexor strain.

Ichiro entered the night hitting .261 this season and batted .272 last season, but even with those down years, he has a career average of .322.

“Watch him take off,” one opposing team’s talent evaluator said of the trade. “Perfect situation.”

“Ichiro can hit, man,” Derek Jeter said, adding he’s always admired “from afar” the outfielder. “Where do you want me to start? Offensively, defensively, on the bases, a lot of different ways he can beat you.”

Monday night was the first time he’s started a game batting anyplace lower than third; he’s been in the No. 1 spot 1,753 games. But the Yankees have a leadoff hitter named Jeter and a top of the order fairly set. Girardi said the plans are to have Ichiro hitting in the bottom half, something the outfielder said is fine. And he is not wearing his longtime number, 51, which Bernie Williams wore for the Yankees.

“Number 51 is a special number to me,” Ichiro said. “But when I think about what 51 means to the Yankees, it’s hard for me to ask for that number. I’d like to have a new number, then make that my own.”