The Chicago Cubs are heading into an offseason full of big decisions, and the outfield market may end up being one of the most important storylines. Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ are both set to hit free agency, and Suzuki in particular is drawing attention after a recent contract projection that feels light for a player coming off his best big-league season.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report pegged Suzuki at “Predicted Contract: 3 years, $66 million,” adding, “A three-year, $66 million deal would match the contract the Dodgers gave corner outfield slugger Teoscar Hernandez when he was the same age, though his status as arguably the No. 2 bat on the market could get him a fourth year.”
That forecast would work out to $22 million per year, which is solid money by any standard. But for Suzuki, it also reads as a bit underwhelming given what he just put on the field. Unless the Cubs get something done before the offseason begins, he is headed for free agency, and there should be plenty of interest.
The appeal is easy to see. Teams around the league need right-handed power, especially in the outfield, and Suzuki brings a strong all-around profile.
He turns 32 years old, but age hasn’t dulled the production. This past season was his best in the majors, as he finished with 5.1 bWAR, 26 home runs, a .270 batting average, and an .841 OPS, along with strong defense in the outfield.
That kind of season usually puts a player in line for more than a three-year offer, even if $66 million is nothing to sneeze at. Suzuki looks like one of the more valuable free agents available, and if the market plays out the way it seems it could, there’s a good chance he does better than this projection.
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