Shogo Akiyama

It was no surprise that Shogo Akiyama was heading back to Japan. The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder had been let go prior to Opening Day as he was not going to be a part of their lineup. While he was able to latch on with the Padres organization on a minor league deal, it became clear that he was not going to get an opportunity at the major league level.

Shogo Akiyama, a veteran outfielder who was released by the San Diego Padres last week after exercising his opt-out clause, intends to return to Japan after receiving no interest from other Major League Baseball clubs, according to comments he made to the Japan Times. "I've been told by my agent...

Former Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama is headed back to Japan, Akiyama himself tells Japanese media (English languagelink via the Japan Times). A report from The Manichi in Japan suggests that Akiyama’s former team, the Seibu Lions, could have an offer waiting for him. Originally signed by the Reds to...

The Cincinnati Reds had high hopes for Shogo Akiyama when he signed a three year contract prior to the 2020 season. A Gold Glove center fielder with power and speed, he was expected to be a catalyst for the lineup, getting on base and causing havoc. That never happened. While...

After failing to make it work in the major leagues, it appears that former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama is headed back to Japan. Per the Japan Times, Akiyama received "no offers from teams in American baseball". Akiyama was recently released by the San Diego Padres. Akiyama was released by...

Outfielder Shogo Akiyama and relief pitcher Ian Krol have each triggered opt-out clauses in their minor-league contracts with the Padres, reports Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune (on Twitter). The players’ respective transactions logs at MLB.com indicate both have been released, suggesting the Friars declined to add either to their MLB roster.

Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama reached a three-year deal with the Hiroshima Carp, according to reports from Japanese media.  Akiyama had offers from multiple teams in, per reports, and turned down an offer from his former club, the Seibu Lions, as well as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. ...

The Cincinnati Reds made the correct, yet expensive, decision prior to the start of the 2022 season to release Shogo Akiayama. The former Nippon Professional Baseball start signed a three-yer/$21M contract with the Reds prior to the 2020 season. Things never came together for Akiyama during his time in Cincinnati....

Rounding up the action at the Padres' minor league affiliates

Cincinnati Reds fans who wanted so badly for Shogo Akiyama to hit a home run will be happy to know he has now hit three in about two weeks - not in a Reds uniform but for the San Diego Padres' Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. Akiyama was homerless in 366 regular-season appearances over parts...

The Padres have reached an agreement to sign former Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama to a minor league deal, per The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans. There were rumors even earlier Saturday that the Seibu Lions were interested in bringing Akiyama back to the organization where he made his name, but the Japanese outfielder apparently is not yet done with Major League Baseball. With the Reds, he made 183 trips to the plate in each of 2020 and 2021, hitting a combined .224/.320/.274 in that time.

The Cincinnati Reds released outfielder Shogo Akiyama on Tuesday, two days after he was told he wouldn't make the team's Opening Day roster. The Reds still owe him $8 million, his salary for 2022 as part of a three-year contract he signed with the team in 2020. A productive player...

The Cincinnati Reds officially released outfielder Shogo Akiyama on Tuesday after two disappointing seasons. The Reds owe him $8 million

Akiyama can accept assignment to Triple-A Louisville or try free agency once the paper transaction is completed by opening day.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – 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...