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Sodo Mojo’s 2019 Seattle Mariners Off-Season Plan

By Colby Patnode

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto watches batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto watches batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Sign Shogo Akiyama

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 13: Outfielder Shogo Akiyama #55 of Japan runs to make an inside-the-park home run in the top of 8th inning during the game four between Japan and MLB All-Stars at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on November 13, 2018, in Hiroshima, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 13: Outfielder Shogo Akiyama #55 of Japan runs to make an inside-the-park home run in the top of 8th inning during the game four between Japan and MLB All-Stars at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on November 13, 2018, in Hiroshima, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images) /

Yeah, we are intrigued. Shogo Akiyama has already been linked to the Mariners and while it doesn’t sound like he is a star, his relatively high floor and ability to handle centerfield in the short-term are major assets for him.

Remember when we talked about raising the floor? Akiyama should also help accomplish that. He has above-average bat speed, can hit line drives from foul line to foul line, has some pop, is a smart baserunner, and should be at least average in centerfield.

He takes walks, puts the ball in play, and handles lefties and righties well. He may ultimately just be a 2 win player, but at the rumored price being as low as it is, Seattle should jump at the opportunity.

MLB Trade Rumors projects a 2-year, $6 million deal for Akiyama this winter. Our offer is right in line with theirs, as we are offering Akiyama 2-years, $8 million contract to reunite with former teammate Yusei Kikuchi in Seattle.

The 32-year-old isn’t the ideal fit, but having him handle centerfield in 2020 with almost no risk towards your young outfielders is a pretty good situation to be in. Again, it isn’t sexy, but adding an everyday outfielder or even an average fourth outfielder for these prices are too good to pass up.

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