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The Reds released Akiyama on Tuesday.
After Cincinnati informed Akiyama over the weekend that he wouldn't be part of the team's Opening Day roster, the 33-year-old had the ability to decline being optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Akiyama appears to have done just that, and after no other team was willing to acquire him at an $8 million salary for 2022, Cincinnati has elected to cut bait with the outfielder entirely. Though Akiyama has produced a disappointing .224/.320/.274 slash line in 366 plate appearances since signing with the Reds ahead of the 2020 season, his solid defense and baserunning could prompt another club to bring him aboard as a fourth or fifth outfielder on a more palatable salary. Akiyama could also choose to pursue opportunities in his native Japan if he doesn't find any MLB offers to his liking.
