Free agent outfielder Shogo Akiyama, in Hawaii with his teammates on the Seibu Lions’ Pacific League championship trip, said there was no point worrying about the market for his services in the major leagues, the Nikkan Sports reported.

According to the story, Akiyama met with four teams last week in San Diego at the baseball winter meetings: the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays. On Monday, the Rays made their contract with Akiyama’s Japan international teammate Yoshitomo Tsutsugo official. Akiyama suggested Tsutsugo’s signing had nothing to do with his own opportunities.

“What good would it do to get worked up about things. He (Tsutsugo) and I offer different things.”

My profile of Akiyama is HERE.