Nori Aoki hasn’t given up on returning this season, even though a specialist in Pittsburgh confirmed that he is dealing with post-concussion symptoms.
Aoki hopes he’ll be back next season, too.
The Giants hold a $5.5 million option for 2016; Aoki didn’t amass enough plate appearances to make the option mutual. But he didn’t plan on backing out to become a free agent, anyway.
“I hope they pick it up because of the manager here and the players and staff,” said Aoki, through translator Kosuke Inaji. “I get along with everybody really well and I hope I’m back for next year. I want to compete for a championship here as well.”
Bruce Bochy has praised Aoki’s contributions before a fractured fibula and the concussion interrupted an All-Star-caliber season. Yet Aoki said even when he was near the top in the NL in on-base percentage, he wasn’t looking forward to free agency.
“I really like the city of San Francisco and it’s fun to play in front of sellout crowds,” Aoki said. “I love playing in front of our fans. That’s a main reason I want to come back here.”
What does Aoki like about the city?
“It’s a clean place. It’s a great atmosphere,” he said. “On off days, I have too many options. My family and I have to discuss what we will do that day.”
He listed driving down Lombard St. as a highlight, saying, “It is unbelievable there are houses there.”
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