Although the Cubs didn't sign a free agent during the Winter Meetings in San Diego this week maybe they did enough to convince center fielder Shogo Akiyama to ultimately pick them in a couple weeks.
According to a Japanese report late Friday night, Akiyama negotiated with four teams in San Diego and will decide between the Cubs, Reds, Rays and Diamondbacks. The 31-year-old could make his decision by Christmas.
Akiyama has a career slash line of .301/.376/.454, in nine seasons playing in the NPB. He makes a lot of contact, has decent speed and has shown good patience at the plate, drawing at least 72 walks in four straight seasons.
There have been question marks about his defense, but you have to trust the Cubs' scouting, considering they want to improve their overall defense going forward.
If the Cubs really love Akiyama, then there should be no reason to get out-bid by the Reds, Rays or Diamondbacks. Bruce Levine, from 670 The Score, reported earlier in the week that Akiyama is content on signing a two-year, $10 million deal.
On Friday, the Rays agreed to a deal with fellow Japanese free agent outfielder/1B/3B Yoshitomo Tsutsugo. The left-handed slugger will get a two-year, $12 million contract.
Tsutsugo is yet another left-handed bat added to the Rays lineup, so it's possible that they could be out on Akiyama, who would be another lefty hitter.
C'mon Cubs, close the deal. Get Shogo.
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