At this point the Cubs are more focused on adding a center fielder to not only improve their outfield defense, but also get another option as the leadoff hitter rather than bringing back Nick Castellanos.
The Cubs might still like Albert Almora Jr., but they know he’s not a starter and while Ian Happ showed more glimpses of promise after he was recalled from Triple-A in 2019, the Cubs won’t be counting on him to make most of the starts in center either. The free agent market isn’t rich in center fielders, but there is one intriguing target.
There have already been reports about the Cubs scouting Japanese free agent Shogo Akiyama and Patrick Mooney is now reporting that the left-handed center fielder is indeed on the Cubs’ radar this offseason.
Via The Athletic.
The Cubs have Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama on their radar as they explore ways to boost production from the leadoff spot and improve their up-the-middle defense.
Akiyama, who will turn 32 in April, is a left-handed hitter with a career .301 average for the Seibu Lions. Across the last five seasons in Japan’s Pacific League, his on-base percentages look like this: .419, .385, .398, .403 and .392.
Akiyama reportedly has a contract offer from the Seibu Lions to stay in Japan, but he really wants to pursue a deal to play in MLB.
He’s been described as a good contact hitter with good speed, praised for his work ethic and has drawn comparisons to Nori Aoki.
Shogo, we go?
The Cubs certainly have to explore every avenue this offseason to re-tool their roster and taking a look at the international scene is certainly a consideration.
Akiyama is a true free agent, as he’s allowed to seek a deal with anyone without having to be posted by the Japanese team he’s been playing for.
