The Kansas City Royals have acquired Norichika Aoki in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers will get left-hander Will Smith in return. Aokie, 32, hit .286/.356/.370 with eight homers and 20 stolen bases in 2013 and will earn around $2 million in 2014.
Aoki is primarily a right fielder and plays solid defense (+4.2 UZR/150; +21 DRS). In his two seasons, Aoki has 50 steals in 70 attempts. Steamer projects Aoki at .289/.355/.397 and a 1.8 fWAR. It is unclear where the potential acquisition of Carlos Beltran fits into the Royals outfield plans with this deal.
Aoki was signed by the Brewers prior to the 2012 season after playing eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Japanese Central League (2004-11).
Smith has a 4.76 ERA through 123 career innings over two season and shifted to the bullpen in 2013 and now sports a career ERA of 2.45 and a K/BB ratio of 6.33 when working out of the bullpen.
