The New York Yankees are expected to become one of the favorites to win the 2014 World Series after making major roster moves this offseason, but Ichiro Suzuki is reportedly growing unhappy in the Big Apple.
While most players on the NY Yankees roster are thrilled about their upcoming campaign, Suzuki is reportedly not too excited for the 2014 MLB Season, and could ask for a trade soon.
Sports World Report revealed that the Japanese slugger could be on his way out as he is expected to demand for a change of scenery after the Yankees made roster moves that will surely hurt his chances of making an impact next season.
The Yankees bolstered their outfield this offseason after striking lucrative deals with veterans Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury. The Pinstripes also secured the future of outfielder Brett Gardner after signing him to a four-year contract extension worth $52 million.
Recent reports also indicated that backup Alfonso Soriano could be given a chance to breakout next season, leaving Suzuki as the fourth or fifth option in outfield for the Pinstripes.
"The team signed Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran in the offseason and both players are getting a significantly more amount of playing time and at-bats while Suzuki settles for being the fourth or fifth man in the outfield. Realizing he is now the odd man out, Suzuki could be looking for a trade," Sports World Report revealed.
Suzuki recently said in a Yahoo Sports interview that he is now nearing the final year of his storied MLB career, but he is still confident about his ability to be an impact player for any team next season.
However, the 40-year-old Japanese sounded like he is aware that he might not get enough opportunities next season if he stays in New York.
"I do have goals and dreams about certain things, but when you get into the late 30s, you just have to take it year by year," Suzuki said. "At this point right now, that's something that I'm not thinking about. Obviously, if it gets closer, if it's something that I could reach and get, you probably start thinking about it."
And if Suzuki decides to seek a trade from the Yankees, the Yankees are not expected to get desirable offers, considering Suzuki's age and his lackluster performance last season.
Suzuki, a 10-time All-Star and a former MVP, had the worst season of his 13-year-career last year when he batted just .262 with only seven homeruns and 35 RBIs to boot.
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