Before the start of the Winter Meetings, the Cincinnati Reds were heavy into their recruitment for Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama.
He was one of their top targets throughout the offseason. The Reds were searching for high on-base percentage hitters. They wanted a left-handed hitting outfielder who was athletic, a solid baserunner and could play center field.
“His ability to play all three outfield positions was really important,” Reds manager David Bell said. “I don’t think it would have made as much sense if he played just one outfield position. That’s pretty rare if a guy can play center field the way he does with his athleticism.