Cincinnati Reds finally add a center fielder in Shogo Akiyama

The Cincinnati Reds have added an actual center fielder in Shogo Akiyama.

Heading into last season, the Cincinnati Reds had a major question mark in center field. Billy Hamilton was let go, as the Reds grew tired of waiting for his offense to develop. However, he was a solid center fielder, with his speed an asset in the field. While he never became the leadoff hitter that the Reds hoped for, he led all National League center fielders in runs saved twice, and his 56 runs saved are the most of any active player.

Last year, the Reds sought to get more offense from the position. Nick Senzel, who had all of eight games in center field before his promotion to the majors, was the primary center fielder last year. His 89 OPS+ exceeding anything that Hamilton had produced over a full major league season, but Senzel also cost the Reds nine runs in center despite playing just 96 games at the position.

This year, the Reds are taking a different approach. They have signed an actual center fielder, adding Shogo Akiyama on a three year deal. Although Akiyama is expected to receive playing time at all three outfield positions and serve as a top of the lineup hitter, it is hard to imagine that he would not receive the majority of his playing time in center.

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Despite being 32 years old already, Akiyama had a fairly robust market. One can see why – he had averaged nearly 20 homers and just over 15 steals over the past five seasons. He has been a Gold Glove center fielder in Japan, a solid all around star before reaching international free agency.

This signing also sets about a chain reaction in the lineup. Senzel now finds himself without a specific spot in the lineup. Akiyama presumably has taken over in center. Mike Moustakas was signed as the Reds new second baseman, and Eugenio Suarez has third locked up. It appears as though Senzel is blocked at every turn.

There are really two options for Senzel moving forward. He could be an interesting super utility player, especially if the Reds get him some action in the corner outfield positions during Spring Training. Or, Senzel could be a part of a package for the Reds to try to shore up other positions on their roster as they make a run at the postseason.

The Cincinnati Reds finally have a center fielder. However, in acquiring Shogo Akiyama, they have also added more questions than answers.