Shogo Akiyama became the Cincinnati Reds' first-ever Japanese player last season and in the month of September was the team's hottest hitter.
Akiyama had a .456 on-base percentage and had 15 walks compared to 12 strikeouts as the Reds made their charge to the playoffs.
The Reds have to be hopeful their leadoff hitter can produce those type of numbers in the 2021 season if they are to be successful. Akiyama had an up-and-down first season in America, but ended the year with a .245 batting average, .357 OBP and seven stolen bases.