DECEMBER 27, 7:42pm: Aside from the Reds and Padres, it’s “thought” that the Diamondbacks, Cubs and maybe even the Blue Jays still have interest in Akiyama, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets.
6:55pm: The bidding is largely down to the Reds and Padres, according to a Sports Hochi report (Japanese language link; h/t Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, on Twitter). It seems the expectation is that he’ll reach a decision before the new year.
5:50am: The Reds have a multi-year offer to Akiyama on the table and are the likeliest landing spot for the 31-year-old, per a Friday report from Nikkan Sports (Japanese language link).
DECEMBER 26: When he declared his intentions to come to the majors, Japanese center fielder Shogo Akiyama entered an interesting place on this winter’s market. With so few viable center fielders available, and no shortage of demand, he offered an intriguing new possibility.
Interest has been fairly robust from the outset for the long-time Seibu Lions standout. And the chatter — at least, in Japanese outlets — has increased of late after Yahoo Japan reported (Japanese language link) that the left-handed-hitting 31-year-old would reach a decision in late December. If Akiyama has settled on a contract, it’s not yet known. But there are a few new hints to chew on. And other recent developments have had an impact on his market.
Yahoo Japan (Japanese language link) cites the Padres as a leading new contender. While it’s tough to assess the merits of those reports, they’re each rather notable for the impact on the market at large. The Pads only just added a somewhat similar player in Trent Grisham; it’d seem a move on Akiyama might portend a trade of another left-handed-hitting outfielder. Plus, adding salary would increase the team’s desire to move some of the money owed Wil Myers.
Then again, Nikkan Sports (Japanese language link) labels the Reds the likeliest landing spot for Akiyama, citing the organization’s persistent interest. The possibilities are all the more interesting with regard to the Reds, who have seemingly been preparing to utilize Nick Senzel in center but could take any number of different directions upon adding Akiyama. There certainly could be implications for the club’s interest in right-handed-hitting corner bats such as Nicholas Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna. With six left-handed-hitting outfielders on the 40-man, the Cincinnati club would at minimum have to do some roster maintenance.
The Cubs and Diamondbacks have long been known to have interest. But it’s worth wondering to what extent either club is a legitimate possibility at this stage. The Cubs are reportedly sifting through pocket change and don’t appear to have any salary-freeing swaps on the immediate horizon. And the Arizona organization just added Kole Calhoun, which gives the team two well-compensated, left-handed-hitting corner outfielders around switch-hitting center fielder Ketel Marte (although he could shift back to second base if Akiyama lands in Arizona).
Another team long known to have interest, the Rays, also made a significant new left-handed-hitting addition to its outfield mix. Fellow Japanese standout Yoshitomo Tsutsugo secured a relatively surprising two-year, $12MM deal (plus a $2.4MM release fee) with the Tampa Bay organization. To what extent the Rays are involved at the moment isn’t entirely clear. But the team reportedly remains interested in Akiyama, even with multiple other left-handed-hitting options — including regular center fielder Kevin Kiermaier — still on hand.
While there’s still quite a lot of uncertainty, the foregoing discussion does indicate the layers of intrigue at play. In all likelihood, an Akiyama signing will be preceded by and/or will trigger some potentially notable corresponding transactions.
Hey Niners let’s hear some chatter!
No way. Go Seahawks
FEELS GREAT BABY!
Older, fatter Lynch…younger, better Niners…can’t wait
Man, one of these days someone is going to recognize one of my DS9 comments…
Go Hawks!
I live in the NW: Seahawk/Duck/Huskie fans are the worst fans in USA
I’ll say this guy is going to the Padres, just what AJ is looking for CF and LH hitter
Can he lead off? Go get him Dick! Grab a CF who can lead off and the Reds are set.
Not quite, if any deal for Lindor is dead, then I’d resign Iggy and use Galvis as a utility guy…
Reds sign Shogo in CF, trade Senzel + to COL for Trevor Story +. Reds give some COL salary relief with one of their overpaid RPs (McGee?) coming to CIN.
The Rockies would need much more than Senzel to move Story … but I assume you already know that
He does. That’s the way I read it anyway.
I’d need more then Story to move Senzel. Story is very mediocre outside of Coors. Honestly he isn’t all that far off from Galvis when he’s away from there. I’m sure there would be a uptick from not bouncing to and from high altitute, but I wouldn’t want to pay a premium for inflated production either.
I do believe though that the Reds move one of their young OFs if they sign Akiyama for a SS. I believe they go bigger fish though and try for Lindor with a package built around Senzel.
Story though outside of Coors is a .260 hitter with 20 homer power that doesn’t walk.
Not when your dumping salary
This signing means Senzel is on the move …
He probably could, because he had decent speed (112 stolen bases in 9 seasons) and could hit for high average as well as get on base very often (.301 batting average and .376 on base percentage) and although some still are, leadoff hitters aren’t just speedsters anymore.
Douger totally agree w/u, they should sign him for CF & possible lead off, & put Senzel in corner, if interested don’t wait
Vice versa from what I’ve heard about his defense
Dont bet the farm just yet. Remember numbers in Japan dont always transfer to MLB. Not meaning to be negative, just cautious.
It’s not negative to say most position players from Japan are average at best, it’s fact. His comparison is Kosuke (I can’t say his last name or MLBTR’s mod-bot will throw a tantrum) who lost more than 200 points on his OPS when he came to the U.S..
If Shogo loses that much, he’s a replacement level player.
Interesting…I’ve liked him to Cincinnati for awhile now, either him or Dickerson. The guy has been an OBP machine for a number of years now. He would almost certainly come cheaper than Dickerson, although he lacks the pop that Corey has, and as was pointed out to me by another poster, it’s risky because who knows how his game will transfer to MLB…
Who would be harder to move Hosmer 6/102 [63m in 1st 3 years] or Myers 3/68.5?
In my opinion, Hosmer. Last time I saw, Hosmer played below average Defence, below average offense and since he can only play 1B, he doesn’t have much flexibility in the field.
At least Myers can play all over the field (unless I’m missing something) and had an above average year with the bat (although definitely not worth the money of course)
What stats were you looking at? Myers had a terrible year on offense. He did all of his hitting after the Padres were 10 games out of the wild card race. It’s really a moot point. You’re not going to be able to move either of these guys. Not to mention, they should .move Machado, also. But no one would touch that contract either.
Myers will be traded before opening day, you’ll see.
@nowheretogobutup Only way that happens is if they attach him to MacKenzie Gore.
@ck99 No one is touching Machado’s contract but who plays 3rd base if they move him?
@Hiro Myers can put a glove on and stand anywhere in the field. That doesn’t mean he can PLAY anywhere in the field.
Who would want either of them?
agreed. idk why Padres fans/other commentors on this site think that Hosmer/Myers are these solid ball players. They’re terrible lol
No they’re not. Their contracts, sure, but they are MLB talent starters who can fill needs for multiple teams
Hosmer had 100 RBI’s in 2019 not bad, its just the length of his contract, in today’s market a guy with 100 RBI’s is not worth $17M AAV?
RBI’s? LOL! 1900 called, they want their stat back!
Still a better statistic than batting average.
Yeah, who wants Runs to be Batted In amirite?
Last season there were 30 1B with at least 400 PA. Hosmer’s 91 wRC+ ranked 26th, .310 OBP was 27th, .425 SLG was 26th and his .160 ISO ranked 28th. His .265/.310/.425 slash was almost identical to Albert Pujols .244/.305/.430. Everyone wants to rip the Angels for the Pujols contract, but he at least gave the Halos several good seasons before he fell off the cliff. The Padres are only going into year 3 of Hosmer’s 8 year debacle.
what an idiotic comment. How you new stat obsessos think driving in a run is meaningless baffles many peoples minds. You look foolish
LOL. both are actually trash. Hosmer hit sub .300 OBP against lefties. Myers can’t hit, field. Steal.
Even more baffling is how anyone still doesn’t understand that RBI is a stat of opportunity and not skill. All MLB players are talented, so giving even bad ones enough opportunities will lead to getting more RBI. Look no further than Eric Hosmer driving in near 100 RBI last year.
BTW-If you need to apply for a GM opening, I would be more than happy to recommend you to the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays or Orioles.
Hosmer still hits RHP well. He gets destroyed against lefties and should be platooned to start RHP only. For how much he’s being paid that is not good. However, if the Padres did this and moved Myers to 1B with a lefty on the mound that might help them. Myers would have to play another position with a right handed pitcher on the mound.
Looking at the Padres depth chart they really should consider a David Price deal involving Myers or Hosner.
Myers is realistically worth about 5m/yr. Hosmer around the same.
Hosmer has trade protection which complicates things.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to how much money SD eats and what prospects they will attach.
My guess is preller values both at a higher price than anyone else, probably by being cheap and not wanting to pay down the deal enough.
If we’re talking long-term here, ultimately myers is easier to move because once another year or two come off his deal less $/prospects will need to be attached to move him.
Preller only values Hosmer and Myers higher because they were his mistakes lol. He is better off crossing his fingers hoping they do something next year than paying them to play on another team which is what they would have to do to get rid of either.
Your dreaming Hosmer is worth far more with 100 RBI’s, I’d say more like $15M per yr.
@nowheretogobutup Boy am I glad you’re not the GM.
I feel he’s going to land on the West Coast closer to home with possibly more related family members on the Coast.
I would value Hosmer in the 15-20 million range.
Myers is worth 3-5 million.
@AtlSoxFan Hosmer will approve a trade if one is made. The real issue is finding someone who would take him. Brodie Van Wagenen perhaps?
Hosmer for sure
Hosmer. Both are useless but Hosmer is owed more.
Mr. goat head seems like you know so much, what team are you related to?
I want to say Pitts or Marlins, both losers.
@nowheretogobutup Based on your comments, baseball isn’t your forté. Try something else.
Hosmer has full no trade clause still and then Padres havent seemed interested in moving him so definitely hosmer.
I just don’t see the NTC being an issue in trading Hosmer. He signed because of money, not because he actively wanted to play for the Padres.
You couldn’t possibly know that, your true colors are showing.
@jakeryan760 really? Who is the team that offered Hosmer more $ than the Padres? And by how much?
You clearly don’t understand the flaw in your logic. You can’t possibly know he took the contract because it was the most money. While it may seem probable. It may be what people say. Unless Hosmer told you that’s why he chose the Padres. You give us nothing of value.
@jakeryan760 Bruh, most players (especially those represented by Scott Boras) sign with the team that offers the most money. And there is no evidence to suggest that Hosmer is any different. The burden of proof is on you, not me. So if you can’t drop a link to a credible source within the next 24 hours that says someone offered Hosmer more $ than the Padres (team name and dollar figure must be included) we will rule accordingly.
@jakeryan760 it’s been 24 hours (more than that actually) and you have failed to come up with a credible source that says someone else offered Eric Hosmer more money than the Padres did. And thus, we have ruled accordingly. Eric Hosmer signed with the Padres because of $ and nothing more. You have been defeated my friend.
Cubs always come up with pocket change when they need it. Go Cubs Go
Cubs are sitting this season out.
They have no money.
Take them off this rumor.
this comment is great haha
Complimenting him is the equivalent of giving a panhandler money. Just gives him a reason to stick around and troll even more.
The lowly Cubs have not yet bottomed out… but they will!
No money to spend at Xmas time. Poor planning.
Hahn and JR took care of Sox fans!
Too bad the Sox will still finish 3rd in the worst division in baseball.
@megaj you’re giving panhandlers a bad name ;^)
This is the guy the Cubs want . If they want him I think they pony up the money
They are preparing to go from the worst team in baseball to middle to the top. The plan is to finish 3rd next year.
… And here come the Cub hating ankle biters right on schedule.
The Cubs continue to shift through pocket change and all they continue to find as they dig deep in those pockets are a stale stick of gum.
The Cubs last two off seasons have gone from baffling -to frustrating- and now darn right laughable.
With Lester and Quintana gone next year do you think they go big 2021? Maybe waiting for trades with KB and or Contreras ? I thought they would have got tier 2 starter , 2b /cf leadoff guy and middle relief. It may be a long season
How much do you think they brought in last year? They brought in $400,000,000 I’d say. I’m sure it can be looked up but billionaires crying poor doesn’t make me want to spend money on their team. I’m not getting a trophy, salary, or autographs, it’s not my team.
The Jays need a centre fielder too, and they have shown they aren’t afraid to spend money. If they are interested, they will have done their due diligence and made a competitive offer.
Atlanta, time to start announcing deals in place. One big announcement! Make it happen AA.
Salary Cap Question:
Obviously plenty of talk about the Cubs inability to spend, but that could obviously change with the trading of KB and/or others. When is the salary cap calculated? My thought is the highest point during the season, so if they went over for a month or 2 in the offseason, but got under before spring training there would be no penalty.
If that is the case, make a move now. Although suitors will know you “need” to get rid of KB and potentially lose some leverage, by the time they move pieces there will be no free agents left to sign.
The calculations just came out for luxury taxes so I’m guessing December 1. I’m not positive on that though.
It’s calculated after the season and when any awards/options/incentives have either vested or been missed.
What takes time is they add every dollar spent through the season – if you signed a guy for 12m, but traded him 1/3 of the way through, he only counts the 4m you actually paid him
Thank you, makes complete sense. So in the scenario I mentioned, since KB will not be paid anything until opening day (even after you agree upon or go to arbitration for an arb 3 salary) they can still make deals.
I think they figure they won’t have as much leverage in a trade if other teams feel they are desperate to dump salary. Honestly, I think their offense will be okay if Ross plays Happ and Schwarber both full time, but any trade of Contreras or Bryant MUST bring back a quality starter. After that, I think a Will Harris signing makes perfect sense.
It isn’t a secret they want to dump salary. It seems by the lack of signings (bulllpen, CF, etc), they are desperate to dump salary.
Yes, this is my thought as well. It seems they have already made it clear to front offices that they are desperate. I would make the moves and then attempt to move him for the right price. There will be an equally desperate team on the other end depending on who loses out on Donaldson.
Braves/Rangers could be trade partners.
At the risk of making this an exclusively White Sox website….
They do make a lot of sense. Shogo is a leftie and he’ll come relatively cheap (Reinsdorf’s favorite) AND he can play center full time for a couple months until RObert is called up. Reassess in May/June, split time with Mazara in right and let them duke it out for starts.
Plus he couldn’t hit any worse than Engel
My guess is the player/his reps are keeping an eye on depth charts and want a destination he won’t need to duke it out for playing time during his deal
Oh of course. That thought was strcty from an organizational standpoint. I’m sure he’d rather play full time somewhere but I still think it’s an intriguing possibility
Robert will be in CF on Opening Day!
I hope!
Too bad u don’t get vacation where you work.
Must be a sweat shop!
Riddle: what’s red, honks, and is a hit at kids party’s?
Answer: Go-kart’s nose!
Wikipedia: “To be a successful (6 figure) clown, one must be devoid of happiness and human decency on the inside, yet be great at painting a smiley face on themselves each day.”
Go-kart’s parents: “We’re proud of the great clown he has become.”
Robert, a guy that gets injured often. Tears up minors pitching. Get ready for major disappointment
Injured often you mean like Tatis
This guy is going to the Padres, CF and LH hitter just what AJ is looking for.
Figured those indians would be in on his services but i guess they’d have to lose some of their excess underachievers too
Jays could use him
Sign him 2 yrs, b4 Sox due
That’s a good sign the Reds will also pull of the Lindor trade. Shogo could replace Senzel in CF.
Yeah this. The Reds aren’t acquiring Lindor (or Story or any other elite SS) without giving up Senzel. And my guess they REALLY want to do it.
Senzel would be the starting and probably the centerpiece of any trade for Lindor.
Why couldn’t Arizona sign him as our center fielder and move Marte to second where he originally played. That would fill all the holes except for bullpen
Dbacks still need pitching, and they need it in the worst way. They can’t afford to spend more on position players after grabbing Calhoun. Last year they kind of lucked out after Greinke left: A bunch of dudes overperformed and their pen held together mostly out of sheer reliever-randomness. They grabbed MadBum, which I think will turn out to be an overpay for a #3 starter, but the rotation looks really sketch after Ray (whom they may need to trade anyway for money reasons).. And no team with a bullpen like that should be spending anywhere else.
I think the Jays will try hard for him
The Ricketts need to Buck up and spend money. who cares if they are a little over the tax threshold. you cant improve if you dont sign anyone. Go over alot then extend everyone trade Bryant for 4 maybe 5 players.
sure is easy when it aint your coin
If you get 5 players for Bryant you are looking at quantity over quality
Any trade for Bryant starts with Bryse Wilson and ends with Fried
Reds offense and rotation are pretty solid. Why don’t they use the remaining funds to strengthen the pen? Will Harris comes to mind as a solid option. Senzel, Winker, Aquino, Van Meter, and Irvin should do a decent enough job in the OF.
Thank you! I feel like I’ve been the only one saying this since the season ended. The pen isn’t horrible but it could definitely use one more reliable arm
@dock &throwing. I’m guessing they don’t believe in Senzel at least as a Cf. I personally was very high on him from MLB’s grades. Reds need a J Pierre (sorry if misspelled) type. Would be great fit. I agree everyone needs another bp arm I don’t know if that’s the best expenditure of money for this team. Iglesious, Garret, Stephenson, (one more) were pretty good and I believe will improve.
@bj I’m not sure that they don’t believe in him. I think he played a fine CF last year. But this adds another OF with good defense. They need another OF. If they take this guy instead of Ozuna or Castellanos then it gives them more options in the field. Or, still sign one of those other two for LF and trade Senzel.
Lorenzen…
That’s not a playoff outfield. Far from it. Winker could breakout. Aquino could find some of that spark from last year. Ervin might do ok with more ABs. Sorry but Van Meter won’t ever be anything. If that’s your outfield going into the season, you’re not serious.
I’m all for upgrading the pen but the OF still needs help.
Could’ve possibly been a perfect gamble for Texas if he wasn’t a lefty.
Phillies don’t have a real CF. Just saying.
Mariners should sign him and dump Mallex Smith. He, Haniger and Lewis can hold down the fort into Kelenic and JuRodriguez are ready.
White Sox and Reds seem like the two teams that need him the most.
White Sox only true offensive weakness is center, and while they could move McCann for a CFer, this would be a good fit and allow them move McCann for best value.
Reds could land him, and then move Senzel in a Lindor trade that actually makes sense for both organizations with a few others going to Cleveland.
I’d like for the Reds to do a deal for McCann..
I don’t know that McCann is better than the combo the reds already have at catcher
I don’t see AZ getting Shogo anymore after signing Calhoun. As the article mentions, they have 2 lefty outfielders and don’t need another one. Too many lefties vs. LA’s pitching staff is asking for trouble. Michael Taylor makes more sense for them if he’s available for the right price.
They want to move Marte to second so Akiyama is still in play
They want to move Marte to second so Akiyama is still in play
Come on Reds!!!!
Spitballing here….and that’s all it is. Sign Shogo, move Eugenio to SS, Senzel to 2B, Moose to 3b. Shogo in CF, resign Puig for RF. Big time depth and moving parts. Galvis becomes the do-all.
I could follow all of those moves but it doesn’t seem likely that they would consider that much shakeup. I wondered if they would move people around with the Moose signing but they were quick to point out that he was to play 2B.
Suárez can not be a SS anymore…
and is puig an upgrade on Aquino?
Greetings all.
Interesting Cleveland asked for best and final offers for Lindor last weekend but have not heard anything on what their time frame might on making a decision. Also I wonder if a three team trade say with the Dodgers/Reds/Cleveland might be included in the mix was submitted? How about Senzel, Galvis and a prospect or two to Cleveland for Lindor and send Lindor to Dodgers for Seager and Verdugo? What say ye?
If you can trade to get Lindor, why on earth would you then ship him to LA?
If they sign Akiyama, it makes Senzel expendable. Senzel has always been the centerpiece in a deal with Cleveland to get Lindor. At that point, you’re done! Let LA go pound sand. Then, if they still have the cash to do it, go sign one of Ozuna/Castellanos/Dickerson. The Reds easily win the Central.
Because on Earth we would get Seagar and Verdugo. I never said anything about signing Akiyama. Dodgers want Lindor and Seagar is an above average ss and verdugo would be IMO a great get for center field. Anyway have a nice day
So 5 years of Senzel, Galvis and prospects for Seager and Verdugo? I’m not sure that’s something the Reds would consider…
He could be good in RF with Senzel in CF and Winker/Aquino in LF.
I’d like to see how the Cubs sell starting the season with Almora/Happ as everyday CF combination. With Heyward and Schwarber that is the weakest OF of any team “trying to contend”. I’m not saying Akiyama is a difference maker, but how can they sell that OF to the fanbase?
Cubs should at least start making some sort of moves… Sign some arms for the pen,, stammen, jefferies add some upside n depth..
SPs take a chance on jimmy Nelson, T walker..
Sign some back up corner out fielders on the cheap
Then dive into so trades!
Quintana for Byron Buxton
Ian Happ for Andujar
Almora for M Givens
Sell Bryant to the highest bidder for some arms (Dodgers May- Julio urias??)
And get on with it
C Contreras-Vinni
1st Rizzo-vinni
2nd Horner- Bote
SS Javy- horner
3rd Andujar- bote
LF Schwarber-
CF Buxton-Heyward
RF Heyward-
SP Yu, Hendricks, Lester, Jimmy Nelson, T Walker, May, Julio
RP
Kimbrel, Terpa, stammen, givens, Winkler, jefferies , Chatwood
Do something lol
Yes, just do something for crying out loud!
Jimmy Nelson? Lol. They need to improve the bullpen. Not make it worse.
And Bryant gets at least 4 players in any deal. Urias and May isnt enough. Add 2 more pitchers. With high potential. then it’s a maybe.
You are crazy if you think Bryant will net you 4 premium prospect pitchers! Bryant will not even get the Cubs May and Urias! Economics have changed. Prospects and pitchers with long control and low price are the most valuable assets in baseball.
Underperforming Older Starter for Underperforming Prospect with 3 years of control?
Player unproven in every way for, if healthy, incredible hitter with no defense
Of course the Cubs would do these trades. Every team would…except the Cubs trading partner.
None of those are even remotely realistic trade scenarios lol. It does provide a good laugh though.
This get more and more interesting. If the Reds ink this guy, I don’t think a Lindor deal gets done. I think Senzel moves to LF and Winker and Aquino platoon in RF. Sign Iglesias back to play SS and Galvis is your utility guy. That’s pretty solid…
To stop at that point seems weird. Lindor over Iglesious is a huge upgrade. 30th to at least top 3 at an important position. I do believe Winkler Aquino would make a dynamic platoon.
I seem to be outnumbered here…lol…definitely a huge upgrade. If that gets done, Winker of, Shogo cf and Aquino in RF with Ervin a 4th OF?
If Cincinnati lands Akiyama. It pretty much shows that Red’s are moving forward to sending Senzel, India, and either another prospect or Freddie Galvis. Strong relationship between the two front office’s. As well as Cleveland very much intrigued in Nick Senzel.
Don’t get me wrong…I wouldn’t complain!
The AAV of Shogo’s projected contract ($3MM) shows that all of MLB do not consider him to be a starting CFr IF the Reds sign him, he’ll back up Senzel and Aquino. Senzel’s not going anywhere.
Set up move to trade Senzel for Lindor
youd need to include a hell of a lot more than Senzel for Lindor
And the would…
They are. You just see names. I see 6(5?)yrs. Vs. 2 yrs.
no. I actually see a franchise starting player, one of the best players of our generation, in Lindor vs Senzel whos just a solid young player
Comparing the years of two completely different talent levels is pure stupidity.
Wrong. You have to compare years when player with 2 years will get a record payday. Can a team like the Reds keep/afford him. All teams compare salary and years of control.
Pure stupidity is not understanding player valuation in 2019. The years of control + salary are just as critical to General Managers as ability. So yes, 6 years of Senzel with a much lower annual salary are compared to Lindor for 2 years and a much higher salary.
Yes the Reds would need to come more than Senzel, but not a lot.
I posted this somewhere else yesterday….I would be okay with Saurez at SS, Senzel at 2B, Moose at 3B. Suarez is not a hack at SS. He came up as a SS, and he o yo became the 3B because of Cozart, and of course, he started hitting with power. Anyway….Galvis would then be a great defensive replacement player. Suarez wouldn’t even have to come out of the lineup and slide over to 3B since he’s a grade above Moose at 3B.
I saw that post and liked the idea…
When I saw they signed Moose that was my first thought (they’re moving Suarez to SS).
Or here’s a thought, Suarez to SS and Senzel to third…Shogo to CF and sign Castellanos for LF, Winker and Aquino platoon in RF…
Are you trying to create the worst defensive team in MLB?
More creative idea: trade Suarez to Atlanta or Washington.
Now that’s laughable! Suarez isn’t going anywhere…
Suárez can no longer be a full time SS … he has bulked up a LOT since becoming a 3B
They are. You just see names. I see 6(5?)yrs. Vs. 2 yrs.
Why aren’t the Mets in on this?
ESPN reporting Reds have signed Shogo Akiyama to 3 yr/21M deal with option for 4th year at 10M/2M buyout
Not seeing this anywhere…
Me either 🙁
Nor have I.
Of course the Reds are outbidding the Cubs for Akiyama. All the Cubs have to offer is a really nice clubhouse and a few McDonalds gift cards.
But is a real sweet clubhouse!
Reds sign Akiyama, and then trade Desclafani, Winker, India, and another prospect to Cleveland for Lindor and Clevinger.
Lol. Lol. I’m a born and raised Reds fan and that’s not anywhere close enough for even Lindor alone.
Of course it’s enough
No, it isn’t.
Senzel gotta be in that deal or else the Dodgers will easily beat the offer.
I think if Cincy lands Akiyama, Senzel will almost certainly be in that package. Pretty sure that’s the main reason Cincy is in on him. I think they really want Lindor and if they can manage to put together a package rich enough to get Clevinger in the deal, they’ll do that too.
You may get one for that and I mean may
Everyone will be taken by surprise when he signs with Seattle.
I like to see the Reds linked to him, but I’m wary of thinking of him as a major contributor until I see it. Generally players from Japan transition well to the MLB, but until it’s proved you have no idea. I mean if his power and average regress a bit you might be looking at a .270 hitter with 15 homers… and from what I read Senzel is better in CF defensively. Still a nice piece to add if those are his numbers but hardly a piece that significantly upgrades a position.
Maybe he can solve the lead off problem, high OBP. Winker hasn’t shown much, rather have Akiyama.
I’ll agree with that. Not just for him in the lead off spot but Winker is terrible in the outfield.
so…it hasnt been narrowed down at all?
That’s exactly what I thought. I guess we’ll find out in the next few days…unless that’s not accurate either. LMAO !
Really interesting thing about Akiyama not mentioned much: he almost never misses games. If he’s almost guaranteed to stay healthy he’s more valuable than stats.
For Reds fans, the idea that Cincy is the favorite to land Akiyama and that there is nothing but crickets coming out of Cleveland might mean that the Reds are still in the mix to try to trade a Senzel centered package for Lindor. It’s awfully nice to see the Reds going after it for a change.
This just in 25 more teams just entered the Shogo sweepstakes!
Haha!!
SS Lindor
CF Akiyama
1B Votto
3B Suarez
2B Moustakas
RF Aquino
LF Castellanos
C Barnhart
P
Castillo
Bauer
Gray
Clevinger
Miley
I would like that except for Lindor. I’m not ready to have two years of good for another 6-10 years of bad.
Here’s what I’ve been throwing out there….Suarez to SS, Senzel 2B, Moose 3B, Shogo CF flanked by Winker and Aquino. I like the idea of the latter pair hitting 6-7 too.Also, I never bat Votto 3rd again. He hits behind Shogo in the two hole with Suarez at 3.
Suarez is no longer a SS. I do agree that the Reds should keep the five years of Senzel and the four years of Winker. Let Shogo spell Senzel in CF and Aquino in RF. There is no place for Castellanos in the Reds OF.
Oh yeah, and forget Castellanos.
The Blue Jays should be all over Akiyama. He is a better option in centerfield than the current Hernandez/Fisher/Alford/Davis mess.
Agreed, but I wonder what his final offer will be
At this point the Jays might as well take a run at him. Assuming McKinney and Davis begin in Buffalo (they have options), they’d have 6 OFs and another trade to make.
Get it done Reds!