Cubs Reportedly Met With Japanese Slugger Shogo Akiyama
The Chicago Cubs need to get better in 2020 and that starts with improving the outfield.
As a result, the team is reportedly interested in a Japanese star to help fill the void. Chicago has met with Shogo Akiyama.
The Cubs reportedly met with Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama, a potential solution to two of the club's offseason needs.https://t.co/zjWGYp2koW
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) December 11, 2019
Akiyama has spent his entire career with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan. The 31-year-old has a career slash line of .301/.376/.454 since debuting in 2011. He also has 251 career doubles and 69 homers over the last three seasons.
Per @PJ_Mooney, the Cubs have 31-yo Japanese FA center fielder Shogo Akiyama on their radar. He has posted a .399 OBP in past 5 years for the Seibu Lions.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) November 15, 2019
Makes sense: Addressing CF would allow Cubs to keep Heyward in RF and Schwarber in LF, which is the preferred alignment.
Albert Almora played 125 games in center field for the Cubs last season and finished with a -1.0 WAR, making it clear that's an area of need.
Akiyama would be a unique addition after spending his entire career in Japan. The adjustment could be difficult, though plenty of Japanese players have had seamless transitions, which is something the Cubs likely foresee.
His ability to get on base and also hit for some power make him a perfect target for a team needing a spark in center.