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Yankees' deal with Ichiro 'will happen', according to report

The New York Yankees are expected to retain the services of free agent outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

By Matt Brigidi
Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Yankees are heavily pursuing free agent outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com on Sunday night.

Rosenthal cited a source who stated that Ichiro's return to the Yankees will happen and that the team has been all over the 39-year-old. It is expected that Ichiro will sign a one-year contract, which will follow suit with the other signings the Yankees have made this offseason. The team is interested in keeping long-term commitments to a minimum in order to get below the $189 million luxury-tax threshold by the 2014 season.

According to Rosenthal, the potential signing of Ichiro would not stop the team from retaining free agent Raul Ibanez.

The Yankees acquired Ichiro on July 23 in a trade with the Seattle Mariners. In 67 games with the team, Ichiro accumulated a .322 batting average with 13 doubles, five home runs, 27 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 240 plate appearances.