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Nov. 3, 2017 / 8:20 PM

Ichiro Suzuki: Miami Marlins decline option on outfielder

Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) runs off the field after the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on August 8, 2017. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) runs off the field after the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on August 8, 2017. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The Miami Marlins declined the 2018 option on outfielder Ichiro Suzuki on Friday, the team announced.

Suzuki, 44, is now a free agent after receiving a $500,000 buyout. The Marlins passed on the $2 million club option.

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Suzuki has 3,080 major league hits but started only 22 games last season. He batted .255 with three homers and 20 RBIs.

The Marlins issued a tweet to Suzuki: "It's been an honor watching you play. Thanks, #Ichiro!"

Suzuki previously expressed a desire to play until age 50 but it remains to be seen whether another team will offer a contract to the 10-time All-Star.

The Marlins are now run by a group that has Derek Jeter making decisions, and the former shortstop was a teammate with Suzuki with the New York Yankees for 2 1/2 seasons.

Suzuki, who owns a .312 career average, enjoyed his best seasons with the Seattle Mariners. He batted over .300 10 times in 11-plus seasons in Seattle and set the major league record with 262 hits in 2004.

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The Marlins also claimed catcher Chad Wallach off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. He is the son of Miami bench coach Tim Wallach.

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