After a great career, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki will transition to the role of Special Assistant to the Chairman, effective today, according to Mariners PR.
Right-handed pitcher Erik Goeddel has been selected from AAA Tacoma to fill Ichiro’s spot on the Mariners, 25-man, roster.
Ichiro will continue to be an active presence with Seattle, both at home and on the road.
“We want to make sure we capture all of the value that Ichiro brings to this team off the field,” Dipoto said. “This new role is a way to accomplish that. While it will evolve over time, the key is that Ichiro’s presence in our clubhouse and with our players and staff improves our opportunity to win games. That is our number-one priority and Ichiro’s number-one priority.”
This doesn't mean he is retiring though.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Ichiro’s agent, John Boggs: “He is not retiring. He’s taking on a different role for 2018, and 2019 has yet to evolve.” Might Ichiro return for the team’s opening series next season in Japan? “There is always that possibility. The future has yet to be determined.”
The 44-year-old has had a terrific career playing 18 seasons with a career .311 batting average, 117 home runs, 780 RBIs, 509 stolen bases, and 3,089 hits.
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