A little more than two years after the Cincinnati Reds introduced Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama with great fanfare at a press conference, Akiyama’s time with the organization is likely over.
Akiyama was informed Sunday morning he will not make the Reds’ Opening Day roster. He is owed $8 million this year and the Reds cannot send him to the minor leagues without his consent. If Akiyama does not want to play at Triple-A Louisville, he will be designated for assignment by Thursday, creating a path for him to become a free agent.
He was a Gold Glove finalist in left field in 2020 and helped the Reds end a seven-year playoff drought when he hit .318 in the final month of the 2020 regular season, but he never seemed to fully adjust to Major League pitching.
“We felt we had better options in the outfield,” Reds General Manager Nick Krall said.
Akiyama, who will turn 34 on April 16, said he wasn't surprised by the Reds' decision, saying "results are everything." He had a good idea of what his next plan was, but he didn't want to announce it Sunday morning.
"With two years, that's the results that are out there," Akiyama said through interpreter Luke Shinoda. "But realistically, I still can play. I can play hard. I know I can play. So I just have to move forward with this situation."