Akiyama could find a chance with the Padres, MLB

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Shogo Akiyama signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on Saturday. The Saitama Seibu Lions were reported to give him an offer which he turned down. 

The Padres have lacked depth in the outfield due to health reasons as Wil Myers went to the injured list while there has been a scramble of Jose Azocar, Matt Beauty, Trent Grisham, Jurickson Profar and Trayce Thompson.

Prior to Thompson recently being called up, all other Padres healthy outfielders are hitting under .250. 

Previously, the Padres had Lions OF Brian O'Grady on the roster due to a KBO team showing interest, forcing their hand in promoting him to the MLB level. 

General Manager A.J. Preller has been known to sign players from Japan, including Pierce Johnson, Nick Martinez and Robert Suarez. He also targeted Seiya Suzuki, who eventually signed with the Chicago Cubs. 

Preller was an apprentice with the Texas Rangers under GM Jon Daniels, who was also known to sign players from both NPB and KBO. 

For Akiyama, he needs a fresh start for a team that had too many outfielders and no opportunity in Cincinnati. The front office and scouts who liked him left after one season. 

The Padres could have an opening soon if someone in the outfield becomes ineffective. It will be up to Preller if and when he gets an opportunity in San Diego. 

Akiyama will likely begin his minor league assignment in El Paso AAA where O'Grady spent a fraction of 2021. However, this outfield shuffle from San Diego should present a chance for him to play in MLB again. 

The Padres were already struck in the offseaon when Fernando Tatis Jr. Was injured in a motorcycle accident. 

While the team is current 14-7 through April 29, most critics will mention they're winning against weaker competition up to this point. 

Last year, the Padres had a second half collapse and ended up finishing under .500, nowhere close to the contention they were expected be. 

Akiyama will need to be patient for that opportunity, but it should come based on the organization needing depth and being desperate for someone in the outfield.

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