Earlier this week there were a few reports coming from Japan that essentially ruled the Cubs out on free agent center fielder Shogo Akiyama. Yet, there was some confusion because although the Reds were named as the team emerging as the favorites to sign Akiyama, another report said the Padres were a finalist for the 31-year-old.
That was the odd part, as this was the first time the Padres had been linked to Akiyama this offseason. All previous reports remained consistent, saying the Reds, Rays, Diamondbacks and Cubs were the teams who met with Akiyama and his agent during the Winter Meetings. Those four teams appeared to have the most interest and after the Rays and Diamondbacks signed other left-handed outfielders, it was logical to think the race was down to the Cubs and Reds.
Yet, the latest report from Japan once again makes it clear that the Cubs are no longer one of the finalists for Akiyama. According to Hochi News, the Reds and Padres are indeed the two teams left in the Akiyama sweepstakes.
According to that report Akiyama might get more than $10 million over a two-year contract.
So, we've once again reached the point of the offseason where we're rooting for other teams to sign players so that a division rival doesn't get better. Go Padres.
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