This is me completely going off my gut feeling, but just like it felt inevitable that the Cubs were going to trade for Nick Castellanos back in July I think they'll end up signing Japanese free agent Shogo Akiyama.
They've scouted him this past year and there are multiple reports confirming that the Cubs are interested in the center fielder. Of course, so are a few other teams including the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays. However, we really haven't seen what Akiyama's asking price will be and MLB Trade Rumors' prediction of a two-year, $6 million contract has been met with skepticism.
You'd think Akiyama would seek an average annual salary similar to what he'd he receive to stay in Japan. And that brings us to Bruce Levine's report from Monday. According to him, Akiyama is looking for a three-year deal, paying him $5 million per season.
Via 670 The Score.
Akiyama, 31, could fill the Cubs' holes at leadoff and in center field. The Cubs are one of four or five MLB teams with interest in Akiyama, according to sources. He's a free agent without any posting limitations, so he's free to sign with any team. He's a five-time All-Star in the NPB.
Importantly, Akiyama also projects to be affordable for the Cubs, who have financial limitations after surpassing the luxury tax threshold in 2019 and with more than $200 million projected on their payroll in 2020 already. Akiyama is seeking a three-year deal in the vicinity of $15 million, sources said.
At $5 million a season for three years the Cubs should definitely take on that risk and again they are interested.
The Cubs want to improve their depth in center field this offseason, but the free agent market doesn't have much to offer. At the end, Akiyama might be their best bet.
According to Levine, Casey Close of Excel Sports will represent Akiyama as he pursues a deal in MLB. Current Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward is also a client of Excel Sports.
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