The Cubs are heading toward an offseason that could get expensive in a hurry, and Seiya Suzuki may end up being one of the biggest reasons why.
Chicago still has major work to do in the starting rotation, but the outfield situation could be just as complicated. Ian Happ and Suzuki are both part of the conversation, and Suzuki’s market appears to be heating up at exactly the wrong time for the Cubs.
CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder pointed to one key factor: Suzuki’s value isn’t just strong, it’s climbing.
"There had previously been concerns that he might need to become a full-time designated hitter, and instead he now grades out as above average in the field," Snyder writes. "His stock is high heading toward the offseason."
That’s obviously good news for Suzuki. He’s putting together a big season at the perfect moment, and that kind of production tends to turn into a serious payday once free agency opens. He has 4.8 bWAR to go with 24 homers, a .266 batting average, and an .834 OPS with a 128 OPS+.
He’s also the kind of player plenty of teams would want in their lineup, especially as a right-handed hitter with that kind of pop and all-around value. That’s where the Cubs’ problem starts.
A stronger market means more bidders, and more bidders usually means a higher price. Teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and New York Mets could all be in position to make a major run at him. If that happens, Chicago may have to go much further to keep him than it would have expected.
Suzuki already signed an $85 million deal with the Cubs over the last five years, but a strong finish to this season could set him up for another major contract on the open market.
That doesn’t guarantee he leaves Chicago. It does, however, make bringing him back more complicated - and likely more expensive.
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