Well, the Cubs lose out on another free agent target to a division rival, as Japanese center fielder Shogo Akiyama is reportedly signing with the Reds. Nikkan Sports was first to report that Akiyama will receive a three-year deal with Cincinnati, worth more than $15 million.
Jon Heyman reported that the contract is worth more than $20 million.
While Heyman hasn’t officially reported the signing, Jon Morosi said it was close and Joel Sherman reported it’s a done deal.
Akiyama, 31, met with four teams during the Winter Meetings, including the Cubs, but once again more than $5 million per year appears to have been more than what the Cubs are willing to commit to a player this offseason. But Akiyama’s price has increased, as it was originally reported that he’d settle for a two-year, $10 million contract. Now, he’s supposedly getting at least double the guaranteed total money with the Reds.
I still don’t want to see Albert Almora Jr. being anything close to a starter in 2020, so here’s to Ian Happ hopefully being consistent next season and to Nico Hoerner getting some action in center.
