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Shogo Akiyama may be eyeing move to MLB for the 2020 season

By David Hill

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 13: Outfielder Shogo Akiyama #55 of Japan runs to make an inside-the-park home run in the top of 8th inning during the game four between Japan and MLB All Stars at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on November 13, 2018 in Hiroshima, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 13: Outfielder Shogo Akiyama #55 of Japan runs to make an inside-the-park home run in the top of 8th inning during the game four between Japan and MLB All Stars at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on November 13, 2018 in Hiroshima, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images) /
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Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama is looking towards testing the international market after the 2019 campaign concludes, with an eye towards coming over the the majors.

Shogo Akiyama has a decision to make next season.

The Seibu Lions outfielder is set to enter the final year of his contract next season, leaving his future plans up in the air. The soon to be nine year veteran of the Japan Pacific League could continue playing in his home country, a solid outfielder with power and speed, while also known for his excellent defense in center.

However, that does not seem to be Akiyama’s priority. Instead, if he has another strong season in 2019, he is reportedly looking to test the international market, with an eye towards heading over to the majors.

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Akiyama exploded onto the prospect map, and JPPL, in 2015. That year, after four solid seasons, he became a star, producing a .359/.419/.522 batting line, hitting 14 homers and stealing 17 bases, although he was caught stealing 17 times. His 216 hits that year were a league record, helping his selection as one of the Best Nine in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Akiyama has been a solid player ever since. A four time NPB All Star and two time Pacific League Golden Glove Award winner, he produced an excellent .323/.403/.534 batting line, hitting 24 homers and stealing 15 bases. he still had difficulty with is success rate, being caught 10 times, but still has his excellent speed.

If Akiyama does end up coming stateside in another year, he will already be 32 years old early in the year. He would already be in the tail end of his prime, potentially on the downside of his career. It is understandable that he would want to explore his options on the international market, but he may not get the type of demand that he may expect.

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Shogo Akiyama is an intriguing talent, an all around outfielder who has been a key part of the Seibu Lions. He just may not be the same player stateside.

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