The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing their options for what to do about their outfield. And it makes sense because Teoscar Hernandez, who is just off a stellar 2024 season with 33 home runs and a World Series win, is expecting a hefty price. Plus the Juan Soto deal of $765 million increased the weightage of outfielders. While Hernandez’s demands are not as huge as Soto’s, he is looking for $66-$72 million, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. He also mentioned it’s a three-year deal that Teo is after, and not the length but the money is the main issue here. And so comes the Chicago Cubs.

Now, things between LA and Hernandez have stalled, and insider Dough McKain also mentioned there has been no communication between the two for a week. This may be because the Dodgers have their eyes on another set of players – from Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox to Ha Seong Kim. Or Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, who the Dodgers seem more inclined toward because the North Side recently got Kyle Tucker. So, the Dodgers see it as a trading opportunity. But the Cubs disagree. However, Suzuki may have something else in his mind.

Seiya Suzuki doesn’t want to be a DH

The former Houston Astros player, Kyle Tucker, will replace Cody Bellinger in the outfield. This means that Suzuki may be relegated to being a Designated Hitter. But it’s a position he isn’t comfortable playing on a regular basis. Joel Wolfe, his agent, hinted that Suzuki enjoys the outfield and doesn’t want to move to DH permanently. “Seiya was a great defender in Japan, so it’s not a compliment to him being a DH,” mentioned his agent.

On a contradictory note, Ken Rosenthal mentioned that Suzuki played better as a DH than as an outfielder, but he might not be in it for long. And that might force Suzuki to waive his no-trade clause. “The Cubs acknowledge he might not want to serve in that role full-time. The mere possibility, according to a source briefed on Suzuki’s thinking, makes him more inclined to approve a trade,” said Rosenthal in The Athletic article.

Now Suzuki has had a good season slashing .283/.366/.482. However, his defensive metrics tell a rather different story with just -3 runs saved in the last three years (per Baseball Reference). However, for the LA Dodgers, Suzuki could provide offensive value with good contact skills and a great chase rate. The $85 million Japanese OF may want to fly to LA, but do the Cubs want to provide him with the tickets?

Cubs unlikely to trade Suzuki and why

Seiya Suzuki‘s LA dreams are still far from reality. As pointed out by Ken Rosenthal, “The Cubs, according to a source briefed on the club’s thinking, are not inclined to trade Suzuki even after acquiring right fielder Kyle Tucker.” The prime reason is that the market for right-handed hitters is thin right now. And replacing Suzuki, who has a great .824 OPS in three major league seasons, would be difficult. To be honest, it’s a smart call for the team for more than one reason.

The Cubbies are looking to end their 5-year playoff drought in 2025. So, trading one of their most consistent offensive players could be counterproductive. And in an injury-prone sport, a limited OF option can be disadvantageous. So, perhaps, Seiya may have to accept the DH role, at least till the Cubs are in their playoff run.

Also, there is a bigger play at stake. The Chicago Cubs are heavily pursuing Japan’s Roki Sasaki. So, for Chicago to have the dynamic Japanese duo of Suzuki and Shota Imanaga will favor them. The team can sell itself to be ‘Japan’s favorite!’ (although the Dodgers may have a better claim at that title.) But if the Dodgers give the Chicago Cubs an offer they can’t refuse, then the 30-year-old may be seen wearing a different shade of blue in 2025.

What do you think awaits? Let us know in the comments.