Seiya Suzuki’s 2025 season is making a strong case for more than an individual honor - it’s pointing the Cubs straight toward an offseason choice they can’t afford to miss.
Pete Crow-Armstrong looks lined up to grab a Louisville Silver Slugger award, and Suzuki has put himself in the conversation for one of the other National League outfield spots. That matters because Suzuki’s bat has been too loud to ignore, and his eligibility changes this year. If he gets to 100 games in right field, he’ll qualify as an outfielder for the award instead of as a designated hitter.
That opens the door for a real race. Three outfielders will win the honor, and with Crow-Armstrong appearing to have one spot locked down, there are two more up for grabs.
James Wood looks like a strong candidate, too. After that, Suzuki should be right there.
His 139 wRC+ ranks third among National League outfielders this season, and while Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals has more home runs with 28, Suzuki’s overall production has been among the league’s best.
Michael Harris of the Atlanta Braves is also expected to draw attention, but the numbers point to Suzuki as one of the three most productive NL outfielders.
That’s where the Cubs’ offseason picture gets interesting. Suzuki is a free agent after the season, and the expectation is that both he and Ian Happ won’t be back next year. Chicago does have a group of rising outfield prospects in the system, including Josiah Hartshorn, but none of them are ready for Opening Day 2027, no matter when that arrives.
Even if one of Matt Shaw or Pedro Ramirez ends up as a starting outfielder next season, the Cubs still figure to need a veteran addition in the outfield. And because they’re in a contention window, that addition has to bring offense. On that front, Suzuki is the cleanest fit on the board.
The Cubs also have the financial flexibility to sign Suzuki near the top of his market without compromising their pitching needs. At this point, the path is pretty clear: Suzuki shouldn’t be leaving Chicago after this season.
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