Reds Reportedly Sign Japanese Outfielder Shogo Akiyama to 3-Year Deal
By Karl Rasmussen
The Cincinnati Reds continue to add to their lineup via free agency, and they've just made another significant move to improve the team's outfield.
Per multiple reports, the Reds have won the race to sign coveted Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama.
#Reds in agreement with CF Shogo Akiyama. @JonHeyman 1st. Hear it is going to be a 3-yr contract.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 30, 2019
Akiyama will be headed to Cincinnati on a three-year deal which is reportedly worth $15 million, with some reports claiming the value exceeds $20 million.
Bidding for Shogo Akiyama has reached 20M plus for 3 years. Reds appear in front and working hard.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 30, 2019
Akiyama, 31, has spent his entire nine-year career playing in the NPB. In 2019, the CF slashed .303/.392/.471 with 20 homers and 62 RBI. His best offensive season came in 2017 when he launched 25 bombs and drove in 89 runs.
The Reds were in contention with other teams including the Padres and Cubs to land Akiyama, but ultimately managed to secure his signature, leaving the other clubs empty handed.
Shogo Akiyama is close to signing a 3-year deal with the #Reds, source confirms. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 30, 2019
Akiyama will join an outfield headlined by youngsters Nick Senzel and Aristides Aquino, as well as Jesse Winker and Josh VanMeter. It's quite possible that the latter two get bumped into a platoon role in order to give Akiyama regular at-bats.
The Japanese slugger represents the latest significant acquisition for the Reds, who have already signed Mike Moustakas and Wade Miley in the offseason.