The Cincinnati Reds are the only Major League franchise to never have a Japanese player on its active roster, but that could be changing soon, according to a report from Nikkon Sports.
During the Winter Meetings earlier this month, Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama traveled to San Diego to meet with teams. Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams confirmed the club's interest in the 31-year-old Akiyama, who played center field in Japan, but may be more suited for a corner spot because of his age.
Nikkon Sports reports contract negotiations are expected to accelerate after Christmas and the Reds are the leading candidate to sign him.