When writers talk about the upcoming free agent market, the focus is often on MLB players. Could the Jays sign Gerrit Cole? Would Kyle Gibson leave the Twins? Could Stephen Strasburg opt out of the remainder of his Nationals contract?
But there is another group of potential free agents that could potentially be of interest: the international free agents / players expected to be posted. Might one of these players fit the Jays’ needs – potentially even better than the MLB options?
Shogo Akiyama – CF, Saitama Seibu Lions
Akiyama turned down a contract offer that would have kept him in Japan for the 2020 season, reportedly because of his strong desire to finish his career (he will play 2020 at 32 years old) in the big leagues.