For most of the offseason, the Diamondbacks have been in lockstep with the Cubs in various outfield rumors, but mostly, on Japanese center fielder Shogo Akiyama. The speedy 32-year-old is looking to come over from NPB, and his high-contact approach would be a very good fit for the Cubs … though they have to move out salary before they will sign him, apparently.
Thus, with three other teams reportedly on Akiyama, I’ve been nervous that another team would pounce before the Cubs front office had a chance. Specifically, it was the Diamondbacks – who were joined by the Rays and Reds – that made me the most nervous, because Akiyama was a pretty obvious fit out there, they very much needed to add a lefty bat, and because their front office is made up of very smart former Red Sox and Cubs execs. The similar trains of thought concerned me, and all that.
But maybe the Diamondbacks just got their outfielder for the offseason?
Outfielder Kole Calhoun and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a two-year, $16 million deal, sources tell ESPN. The contract includes a third-year club option for $9 million. @jonmorosi, @Joelsherman1, @nickpiecoro and @Feinsand were among those with details on it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 24, 2019
Calhoun, 32, is a right fielder by trade, but that’s actually where the Diamondbacks have the biggest hole anyway (their interest in Shogo was likely less about the specific outfield position, and more about wanting a lefty bat in the outfield somewhere). After a disastrous season in 2018, he bounced back to be pretty much what he’s been for years now: a good defensive right-fielder who hits solidly above-average overall, and hits righties better than lefties.
With the DBacks now having grabbed Calhoun, and with the Rays having signed Tsutsugo Yoshitomo, it’s possible that the Shogo Akiyama race is already down to the Cubs and Reds (unless there’s a Mystery Team). The Reds don’t have the same obviously open starting spot in the outfield like the Cubs, but they may be a little more aggressive on the offer.
Akiyama is not likely to be a star in the big leagues, and indeed, he might not even be an everyday starter. But for what the Cubs need – a different style of bat, a quality defensive center fielder, the ability to lead off, run the bases well, etc. – Akiyama would be a fantastic addition as a semi-starter. I really want to see the Cubs land him, especially because he’s the kind of guy who could be affordable, but could surprise to the upside to help the Cubs compete in 2020 despite otherwise taking a “step back.”
Stay tuned.