That will give the Reds 79 days to figure out where Akiyama will land in the lineup. Here's a glance at what the lineup could be March 26 when the Reds open the season against the Cardinals:
1. Akiyama, center field: He had 12 stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .392 last season with the Seibu Lions. Akiyama also could split time with Nick Senzel here or play other outfield positions.
2. Joey Votto, first base: The 36-year-old veteran enters his 14th season in Cincinnati. He hit second in the order in 121 game last eason.
3. Eugenio Suarez, third base: He's coming off a career year in which he hit 49 home runs. Suarez hit third in 128 games.
Shogo Akiyama puts his name in ink! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/yFQSnlrFiB
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 6, 2020
4. Mike Moustakas, second base: An all-star last year with the Milwaukee Brewers, Moustakas, signed with the Reds in December. He moved around in the order but hit third or fourth more often than not. He played 44 games at second base and 101 at third base.
5. Aristides Aquino, right field: Aquino did enough in August, hitting 14 home runs, to get a chance to start this season, though his production slowed in September.
6. Jesse Winker, left field: Like Senzel, Akiyama, Aquino and Phillip Ervin, Winker will be competing for playing time in a crowded outfield.
7. Freddy Galvis, shortstop: Galvis, who the Reds acquired off waivers in August, made double-digit starts at six different spots in the order last season. The Reds announced in November they were exercising their option for 2020 on Galvis and bringing him back this season.
8. Tucker Barnhart, catcher: He turned 29 on Tuesday and enters his seventh season with the Reds and likely will split time with Curt Casali again.
9. Luis Castillo, starting pitcher: He joins Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer, Anthony DeSclafani and free-agent acquisition Wade Miley in what shapes up to be — on paper, at least — the Reds' best rotation entering the season since their last playoff team in 2014.
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