According to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network, the Blue Jays are one of five teams vying for Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama. Heyman opines that the Reds have been aggressive all winter in their pursuit, however, the likes of the Diamondbacks, Padres, Cubs and possibly the Jays are all said to have varying degrees of interest in the 31-year old.
Akiyama hit .303/.392/.471 with 20 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 20 attempts for the Seibu Lions of the Japan Pacific League last season. In nine seasons with Seibu, Akiyama is a career .