Shogo Akiyama Sweepstakes Could Be Down To Cubs And Division Rival

I’m not asking for much this Christmas. I’m pissed, but I’ve accepted the fact the Cubs aren’t going to be doing much to vastly improve their roster for 2020. But please, just give me someone, anyone better than Albert Almora Jr. to play center field.

I don’t know how good or bad Shogo Akiyama is going to be in the majors, but I definitely prefer to find out instead of watching Almora hit weak ground balls 50% of the time, run the bases surprisingly slow and make the occasional highlight reel catch the covers up his otherwise overrated defense.

The Cubs, a very rich franchise, apparently can’t afford much this offseason, but their interest in Akiyama has been evident since the start of free agency. They scouted him and were one of four teams to meet with the free agent center fielder during the Winter Meetings.

On Dec. 13, there was a report saying Akiyama would like to sign by Christmas. There were four teams that met with him at the Winter Meetings and were expected to be the final teams in on signing him. Those teams are the Cubs along with the Rays, Diamondbacks and Reds.

However, since that report came out the Rays and Diamondbacks have signed left-handed hitting outfielders. The Rays signed fellow Japanese free agent Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and on Tuesday the Diamondbacks agreed to a two-year contract worth $16 million with Kole Calhoun. The deal also includes a club option for 2022.

So, the Rays and Diamondbacks are possibly out on Akiyama now after adding other lefties to their lineup.

If that’s the case then it’s down to the Cubs and Reds for the center fielder. A sad reminder that the Cubs are currently one of four teams that still have not signed a free agent to a fully guaranteed MLB contract this offseason.

Will Shogo be the first? Absolutely no excuse to lose out on him to the Reds, as there have been reports indicating Akiyama will settle for a two or three year deal worth $5 million per year.