Veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has signed a one-year contract with his former club, the Seattle Mariners, the American League team announced Wednesday.

Under the $750,000 deal, the 44-year-old Japanese will again wear No. 51 for Seattle. He can earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses.

"I want to be able to help the Seattle Mariners. I want to give it all -- everything that I've gained, everything that I've done in my career. I want to just give it all right here in Seattle," he said at a news conference.

Suzuki had been training in Kobe preparing for his 18th season in Major League Baseball after his three-year stint with the Miami Marlins came to an end last November, making him a free agent.

"The addition of Ichiro gives our team another versatile and athletic outfielder," Mariners' general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.

"His incredible work ethic, preparation and focus will enhance our environment in many ways. He's truly one of the great players in the history of the game and his unquestionable presence is a valuable addition, both on the field and in the clubhouse. We're very glad to bring him back home."

In 2001, Suzuki hit .350 with 242 hits and 56 stolen bases to earn the AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP awards. After 11 full seasons with the Mariners during which time he became a 10-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Suzuki joined the New York Yankees in a midseason trade.

Last season, he played 136 games for the Marlins, mainly as a pinch hitter, with only 22 starts as an outfielder. He batted .255 with three home runs and 20 RBIs, and his 27 pinch hits left him one shy of the single-season record.

He ranks 22nd on the all-time list, with 3,080 MLB career hits.

Suzuki was the first Japanese player to move to the majors via the posting system, signing with the Mariners in November 2000 after they won exclusive negotiating rights with a bid of $13 million. He is also the first position player from Japan to sign with a major league club.

In Japan, Suzuki played for the Orix BlueWave (now Buffaloes) for nine seasons. He won seven consecutive Pacific League batting titles in 1994-2000 and three straight PL MVP awards from 1994 to 1996.