Milwaukee Brewers awarded negotiating rights with Norichika Aoki

The Milwaukee Brewers have been awarded exclusive negotiating rights with Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki, according to the Japanese newspaper Hochi Shimbun. The sides now have 30 days to work out a deal.

The Yakult Swallows accepted the $2.5 million posting fee on Friday, according to Yahoo! Sports. Aoki, 29, made the All-Star team seven times in his eight-year career in Japan. A speedy slap hitter, he has won three batting titles while hitting .329, with a .402 on-base percentage and .454 slugging percentage. He has excellent range in center field, but his throwing arm is considered suspect. Aoki was a member of the Japanese teams that won the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009. He also played on Japan’s 2008 Olympic team.

via Brewers awarded negotiating rights with Norichika Aoki – MLB – Sporting News.