The Chicago Cubs find themselves looking for centerfielders as they hope to upgrade from Albert Almora Jr. while preparing to possibly lose Nicholas Castellanos via free agency.
As such, Eno Sarris of The Athletic suggests that the Cubs might be the perfect fit for Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama, who will be posted for MLB clubs this winter:
Given Akiyama’s age, you’d probably want a team that is looking to be competitive in the short run, too. Teams that fill the profile probably include the Diamondbacks — who may choose to spread their outlay and try to buy a couple bats — and also the Athletics, White Sox and Indians. There’s always a chance the Giants jump in, considering their need for outfielders.
But the Cubs represent an interesting confluence of needs. They’d like to improve their offense from one outfield spot and have good defenders in Albert Almora Jr. and Jason Heyward, so there’s not as much pressure on Akiyama’s glove there. And the Cubs are trying to improve without spending much money. There have also been rumors out there linking the team to the player — maybe this smoke means something.
Akiyama has played nine seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, posting career slashes of .301/.376/.454 while showcasing a power surge as he entered his thirties.
The 31-year-old also fits Chicago's desire to keep spending at a minimum, as Sarris alludes to reports that Akiyama's asking price is in the range of three years and $15 million.
Akiyama would almost certainly provide an upgrade over Almora, who was the seventh-worst hitter (min. 350 plate appearances) in terms of wRC+, according to FanGraphs.
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