Norichika Aoki seeking 3-year deal with Reds, Royals in pursuit

As Nori Aoki heads into free agency this offseason, he will seek a 3-year deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Heyman notes that the Reds and Royals are among the teams on Aoki's radar, but the Royals appear to be more focused on Torii Hunter at the moment.

The Brewers originally signed Aoki to a two-year deal in 2012, after Aoki wrapped up an eight-year career in Japan. Aoki's contract with Milwaukee also included a club option for 2014 worth $1.5 million. After exercising the 2014 club option, the Brewers promptly traded Aoki to Kansas City for left-handed reliever Will Smith. In his only year with Kansas City, Aoki helped lead the Royals to a 2014 World Series appearance.

For Aoki's three year career, he has posted a slash line of .287/.353/.387. Although Aoki lacks the home run power of a traditional right fielder, he could fit well with teams looking for a high-contact, high-OBP guy at the top of the order (career 9% BB rate; .353 OBP). Besides the Reds and the Royals, other teams that could be looking for outfield help this offseason include the Braves, Blue Jays, and the Orioles.