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Cincinnati Reds former outfielder Shogo Akiyama joins Hiroshima Carp

By David Hill

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama (4) watches the game from the dugout in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.Washington Nationals At Cincinnati Reds Sept 23
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama (4) watches the game from the dugout in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.Washington Nationals At Cincinnati Reds Sept 23 /
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It was no surprise that Shogo Akiyama was heading back to Japan. The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder had been let go prior to Opening Day as he was not going to be a part of their lineup. While he was able to latch on with the Padres organization on a minor league deal, it became clear that he was not going to get an opportunity at the major league level.

Almost from the moment that Akiyama exercised his opt-out in that minor league deal, the expectation was that he would end up back in Nippon Professional Baseball. That expectation became an inevitability when he was unable to generate any interest from a major league squad, leading to his returning to Japan to determine his next steps.

Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama heading back home

Those next steps headed in a familiar direction. According to C. Trent Rosencrans, Akiyama is signing a three year deal with the Hiroshima Carp, finding a new NPB home.

Akiyama had been a star prior to heading to Cincinnati. He had produced a .301/.376/.454 batting line in his 5326 plate appearances with the Seibu Lions, hitting 116 homers and stealing 112 bases. A six time All Star and five time All Star, he was a dynamic leadoff hitter who had been one of the league’s biggest stars.

He never found that success stateside. It did not help that the Reds refused to allow him to get settled into the leadoff role in Cincinnati, but at the same time, he did not show much to earn that faith. His time in the majors came to an end with a disappointing .224/.320/.274 batting line in his 336 plate appearances, hitting 14 doubles and stealing just nine bases.

As he is just 34 years old, the Carp are gambling that Akiyama still has plenty left in the tank. It is a reasonable thought as he is just past his hypothetical prime and should have several years to build on his impressive NPB resume. However, at this point, it is clear that his time in the majors is at an end.

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Shogo Akiyama never had a chance to live up to expectations with the Cincinnati Reds. However, his professional journey will continue in Japan.

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