The Miami Marlins picked up veteran Ichiro Suzuki's 2017 contract option on Wednesday.
The option is valued at $2 million and picking it up was long considered an easy decision for the team. Suzuki shined during the 2016 season and was one of the biggest contributors on the field and in the locker room. The veteran reached 3,000 career hits during the season and kept hitting.
With the 3,000 milestone behind him, Suzuki will now continue to look to move up the All-Time leader-board. At the same time, the outfielder gives the Marlins an experienced bench bat and a dependable outfield arm. Despite his age, Suzuki outplayed many of his younger counterparts.
Suzuki will be 43 when the 2017 season begins and it remains to be seen if this will be his final year of play. Suzuki has made it known in the past that he wishes to play for several more years. If he's able to produce at close to the same level as 2016, Suzuki should find no trouble landing a job next off-season as well.
With Suzuki's deal done, the Marlins can continue to work on improving the rest of their bench. The 2016 season ended up being a losing campaign and it was partially due to a lack of depth. Finding bats who can fill in during injuries will be critical to Miami's success next season.
Miami will likely be active in the free agent and trade market in the weeks and months ahead.
