3 MLB Teams Who Should Sign Japanese Star Ryosuke Kikuchi

The Hiroshima Carp of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball announced that star second baseman Ryosuke Kikuchi is allowed to pursue a career in Major League Baseball. Kikuchi isn't know as an offensive force, but he's a defensive wizard that will surely draw interest from a variety of teams in need of some infield talent.

Here are three teams who should sign the star Japanese second baseman.

3. Boston Red Sox

Japan v MLB All Stars - Game 4 / Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

The Red Sox lineup is pretty sturdy through and through, but one spot they could use a boost in is at second base. With Dustin Pedroia's health continuing to be a concern, and Brock Holt hitting the open market, Kikuchi could serve as a viable replacement. His defense will be much-welcomed in Boston's infield, and while he's no slugger he'd be more than serviceable in the back-end of the Red Sox's lineup.

2. Chicago Cubs

World Baseball Classic - Championship Round - Game 2 - United States v Japan / Harry How/Getty Images

The Cubs won't go into next season with Addison Russell as their starting second baseman, right? Not only does he have a checkered past off the field, but he didn't produce when given the opportunity last year. With Javier Baez at shortstop they could give the second base reigns to Nico Hoerner, but Kikuchi will at the very least solidify their defense at second, who ranked 24th in MLB with 17 errors.

1. San Francisco Giants

Japan v Los Angeles Dodgers / Masterpress/Getty Images

The Giants offloaded long-time second baseman Joe Panik last year after six seasons with the club. As it stands, Mauricio Dubon is the likely option to start at second for the team next year, and while Dubon was solid in his brief stint with the team in 2019, Kikuchi's defensive prowess likely makes him the more intriguing option. The Giants could prove a perfect landing spot for the 29-year-old second baseman.