The Cincinnati Reds and Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama have agreed to a three-year deal, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Financial details aren't yet known, but MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports the bidding for Akiyama's services has exceeded $20 million.
Akiyama, 31, posted a .301/.376/.454 slash line with 116 home runs, 251 doubles, and 513 RBIs while playing for Japan's Seibu Lions over the past nine seasons.
Cincinnati reportedly won't be required to pay a transfer fee for Akiyama under the posting rules for Japanese players because of the service time he's accrued.
Akiyama will compete against Jesse Winker, Aristides Aquino, and Nick Senzel for playing time in the Reds' outfield in 2020.
#Reds wanted a LHH OF, wanted to improve OBP, needed some speed, had have a true CF defender, protects them from Senzel injury history….welcome Shogo Akiyama to #Reds & GABP. Their scouts love his work ethic too btw.
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) December 30, 2019
The reported addition continues a productive offseason for the team's front office following the signings of infielder Mike Moustakas and left-hander Wade Miley. The Reds are also primed to get a full campaign out of front-end starter Trevor Bauer after acquiring him at the trade deadline this past season.
