MLB Trade Rumors 2014: Ichiro Suzuki Could Ask for Trade From New York Yankees

Japanese slugger Ichiro Suzuki could be on his way out from the New York Yankees, according to recent trade rumors.

The Yankees made several big moves this offseason that will make them one of the strongest title contenders in the 2014 MLB season, but while Yankees fans have high hopes for their team next season, Suzuki isn't too thrilled with the team's moves.

According to Sports World Report, Suzuki could ask for a trade soon, knowing that he will not get significant opportunities in New York next season after the Yankees signed veterans Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Aside from their free-agent signings, the Yankees also signed outfielder Brett Gardner to a lucrative four-year, $52 million contract extension, while backup Alfonso Soriano is tipped to get more opportunities next season, leaving Suzuki with no choice but to settle for being the fourth or fifth option in the outfield for the Yankees.

"The team signed Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran in the offseason and both players are getting a significantly more amount of playing time and at-bats while Suzuki settles for being the fourth or fifth man in the outfield. Realizing he is now the odd man out, Suzuki could be looking for a trade," Sports World Report revealed.

In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Suzuki, 40, admitted that he is approaching the twilight of his storied career, and he sounded like he is not expecting a lot of opportunities from the Yankees next season.

"I do have goals and dreams about certain things, but when you get into the late 30s, you just have to take it year by year," Suzuki said. "At this point right now, that's something that I'm not thinking about. Obviously, if it gets closer, if it's something that I could reach and get, you probably start thinking about it," he said.

Suzuki, who was named MVP during his first year in the major leagues, struggled in 150 games with the Yankees last season. The 10-time All-Star batted just .262 with only seven homeruns and 35 RBIs.

In the event the veteran demands a trade, it is unclear whether or not the Yankees will find a taker for Suzuki, considering the fact that he is already 40 years old and is coming off the worst season of his 13-year MLB career.