Suzuki fired up for 1st full season with Yankees

TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki says he has a renewed sense of purpose entering his first full season with the New York Yankees.

The 39-year-old outfielder, who held a workout on Tuesday, said "Signing with the Yankees has given me a new sense of determination. This is a unique team."

The Yankees and Suzuki finalized a $13 million, two-year contract in December that keeps the 10-time Major League Baseball All-Star in the Bronx.

Suzuki, who will make $6.5 million in each of the next two seasons, was obtained in a trade with Seattle on July 23 last season, reviving his career and quickly making him a fan favorite in New York.

His batting average jumped from .261 with the Mariners to .322 with the Yankees, with five homers, 27 RBIs and 14 steals.