The Seattle Mariners announced the signing of outfielder Norichika Aoki to a one-year contract on Thursday.

The 33-year-old Aoki is the ninth Japanese player to sign with Seattle. According to CBSSports.com, his deal will pay him $5.5 million next year and includes a mutual vesting option of $6 million for 2017 with another $1.5 million in annual incentives.

"They made it clear they needed me, and I want to win a championship here," Aoki said during a news conference at Safeco Field. "Everyone in Japan knows the team. We have guys who can hit in the middle of the order so my job will be to get on base and score runs."