The internet did what the internet does and it got a story rolling through the Cincinnati Reds social media late this morning that the Reds had agreed to a deal with Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama. The deal was reportedly worth 3-years and “more than $15M”.
Within the original tweet that got things rolling was a picture of a newspaper that apparently had the details – though, since I don’t know how to read or speak Japanese, I remained skeptical given that the paper in question could have been more National Enquirer instead of Cincinnati Enquirer. No one else was reporting the deal had been struck. Even the claimed cited source, Nikkan Sports, did not have anything online – either on their website or on their social media.
But eventually, about two hours later, Nikkan Sports did put the article up on their website. Shortly after that, American journalists began to come in with their reporting that the deal indeed was not yet complete. Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first, noting that the bidding had reached $20M plus for 3 years, but that the Cincinnati Reds were in front and working hard.
Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer checked in a minute later noting the Nikkan Sports report, but said that a source indicated that the deal was not finalized yet.
A Japanese news outlet is reporting that Akiyama will sign with the #Reds. One source says nothing is finalized yet, but Reds have been optimistic about their chances to sign him. https://t.co/oK8rLs9Bl4
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) December 30, 2019
And right now, that’s where we sit. A report out of Japan from four hours ago that the two sides had reached a deal, while two reports stateside that indicate that the deal isn’t done and is for more than the $15M reported this morning.
Just as I was ready to hit publish, Jon Morosi of MLB Network tweeted that the Reds are close to signing Shogo Akiyama to a 3-year deal. To use the best part of Jurassic Park: Hold onto your butts.
Shogo Akiyama is close to signing a 3-year deal with the #Reds, source confirms. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 30, 2019
A lot of competition for him.
7mil per year, is not bad, if he starts.
I am not sure what you do with Nick (RF, SS, Cle?)
Saw an article on MLBTR, and it thought 2b, but I do not see that happening
My guess is, if they sign him, he will play at one of the corners, or Senzel moves to a corner.
Latest I saw was 3 years near or above 20 Mil.
If correct that maybe over paying .
Sounds like money one would pay to a starting player, not a platoon player.
Based only on what would be on the roster if this signing becomes official, you would have lefthanded bats Winker and Akiyama, and righthanded bats Senzel, Aquino and Ervin as likely major league outfielders.
Let the speculation begin! 🙂
If the Reds do sign Shogo Akiyama this will be one where the rumors were correct, it seems like all of the other recent signings and trades weren’t reported at all before they actually happened. Such as the Moose or Miley signing or the big Dodger trade last year or the Roark trade. Well I guess maybe there was a lot of smoke before the Gray trade last year so there’s that.