Norichika Aoki

Aoki's groundball-heavy skill set says he'll never come close to the 10 homers he poked in his rookie 2012 season. Of course, it's hard to begrudge someone who hasn't posted a season-long batting average lower than .283 and can steal 20 bases in a full big-league season. One of baseball's best contact hitters, Aoki remains a real-life asset, but it may be tough for him to find consistent at-bats despite a .300/.364/.428 line against righties in 2016. Analytics dog Aoki's defense, the Astros' lineup is loaded with talent and the organization is almost married to sabermetrics. Plus, how much can fantasy players count on someone his age who relies on speed to augment his value? Aoki can offer temporary value in mixed fantasy leagues with appropriate playing time, though he's likely best left as a rental player in those formats, with only mild enthusiasm in AL-only games that value any playing time possible.

Aoki got off to a hot start with his new club in 2015, slashing .317/.383/.385 pre-All-Star break before injuries derailed his season. He was hit by a pitch that broke his leg in June, and less than a week after his return in August, he was hit in the head by a Jake Arrieta fastball which effectively ended his season. The Giants declined his $5.5 million 2016 option, making Aoki an unrestricted free agent, but he found a new home with the Mariners in December (another one-year deal). Assuming he is fully recovered, the veteran outfielder will likely open the year as a regular in left field, but Aoki will lose out on at-bats against lefties to Franklin Gutierrez, and Seth Smith (currently) still looms as a lefty option in case Aoki slips up.

Aoki served as Kansas City's primary leadoff hitter before manager Ned Yost made the switch to Alcides Escobar in mid-September, but the Japan native was still able to turn in a productive 2014, as his ability to make contact against any type of pitching led him to a .349 on-base percentage. There was never much to find in the power department, but the 33-year-old still managed to score 63 runs and steal 17 bases, to go along with an impressive .363 batting average against left-handed pitching. A career .287/.353/.387 hitter, Aoki signed a one-year deal with the Giants in January to take over as the team's primary left fielder. If he hits at or near the top of the order in San Francisco, it's reasonable to think he'll contribute in batting average, runs scored, and stolen bases at a steady clip in 2015.

Aoki did his job as the Brewers’ leadoff hitter last season, getting on base at a .356 clip and striking out just 40 times in 674 plate appearances. However, he tallied just 31 extra-base hits after racking up 51 the year before, and his stolen base total dropped from 30 to 20. Aoki was traded to the Royals this offseason, and the plan is for him to remain in the leadoff role with his new club. Though Aoki may not provide much in terms of power, he could see his stolen base total recover playing for a team that led the AL in steals in 2013.

Aoki came to MLB last offseason with little fanfare, but he more than made a name for himself in his rookie season. After beginning the year with a minimal role, Aoki took over the everyday duties in right field when Corey Hart was moved to first base. He subsequently locked down the job for 2013 by hitting 10 home runs, stealing 30 bases, and providing a spark atop the order with a .355 OBP. Aoki struggles a bit against lefties, but his bat skills and speed will help him hold down the leadoff spot for the Brewers - an envious position in front of a powerful lineup.

From 2005-2010, Aoki was Japan's consensus top contact hitter, hitting .344 or higher four times and drawing Ichiro comparisons. With the introduction of a new pitcher-friendly ball last season, Aoki's batting average dropped to .292 and the Ichiro comparisons came to an end. His power also declined as he had slugged over .500 in three of the previous four years, and .509 in 2010, but could only manage .360 with the new ball. Aoki still hit .292, and reached base at a .358 clip. He still showed a good batting eye, walking 51 times while striking out 55. He'll likely be a Juan Pierre-type: some singles and on-base skills, not a lot of power, and a few stolen bases. Milwaukee won his rights via the posting system and it's not clear exactly where he'll play if he signs a contract. He may begin the season as a reserve outfielder, but could start in center field.

Japan's top hitter for average, Aoki had another great season in 2010 by setting a career high in batting average at .359 and falling just short of Ichiro Suzuki's old NPB record with 209 hits. Aoki also set a career high with 44 doubles, and slugged at a .509 clip. Aoki has about three years of service time left before free agency, but could be posted a year or two earlier if he decides to move to MLB.

Japan's top hitter for average is coming off a "down" year, but he still hit .303 with a .400 OBP. Aoki has had his previous requests to be posted turned down, but given that Yakult posted Kazuhisa Ishii and Akinori Iwamura, they could bend and post him before he hits free agency. We could see him move to the U.S. in 2012 as a result.