Seiya Suzuki's Pivotal Season: Cubs' Star Prepares for a Defining Year
As spring training kicks off in Mesa, Arizona, Seiya Suzuki finds himself at a crossroads with the Chicago Cubs. With no contract extension talks on the horizon, Suzuki’s future with the team remains uncertain. This approach aligns with the current state of the Cubs, a team balancing potential free agents and looming labor negotiations.
Suzuki appears at ease with the situation, focusing instead on his immediate goals. He’s set to depart for Japan to represent his national team in the World Baseball Classic, a platform where he can once again showcase his talents. Following last year’s impressive playoff run, Suzuki has the chance to remind everyone why the Cubs invested nearly $100 million in him.
A standout season could elevate Suzuki to the top of the free-agent market. Even a consistent performance would secure his status among the best in a relatively thin class, particularly if he can enhance his defensive contributions.
Suzuki himself is weighing his options. “Honestly, I’m not sure,” he shared through an interpreter.
“It depends on my performance. If I do well, I’d like to stay.
But I feel there’s more expected of me, and it’s all about how I perform.”
Suzuki’s journey with the Cubs has been a mix of highs and learning experiences. Joining a team in rebuild mode, he embraced the opportunity to grow without immediate pressure. The Cubs’ five-year, $85 million contract, factoring in a posting fee to Nippon Professional Baseball, was a significant commitment made in March 2022, right after the MLB lockout ended.
Since then, the Cubs have fluctuated, becoming sellers at trade deadlines and posting back-to-back 83-79 seasons before a 92-win breakthrough. This year, several key players, including Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ, are also approaching free agency, adding another layer of complexity.
Suzuki’s blend of talent and humor has made him a favorite among teammates and coaches. Despite finishing last season with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs, he remains unsatisfied.
“That’s how Seiya pushes himself,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted. “He expects a lot out of himself.”
Last season, Suzuki was primarily the designated hitter to accommodate Kyle Tucker, acquired from the Astros. With Tucker now with the Dodgers, there’s room for Suzuki to return to right field.
“Can you ask the manager?” Suzuki joked when asked about playing right field more often.
Counsell plans to increase Suzuki’s defensive role. “Seiya will play more outfield than last year. That’s my expectation,” he stated.
After overcoming injuries, Suzuki appeared in 151 games last season. Though his production dipped post-All-Star break, he bounced back in the playoffs, delivering key performances.
Suzuki believes regular defense will improve his hitting consistency. “Playing the field helps me with the game’s rhythm,” he explained.
At 31, with nearly 2,300 major league plate appearances and responsibilities in both the WBC and a potential World Series run, Suzuki is poised for a significant season. This could be the year where everything aligns perfectly.
“Your goal for all players is just improvement,” Counsell said. “Let’s just keep improving. I think Seiya is pushing himself to do that.”