via Getty
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – AUGUST 04: Seiya Suzuki #51 of Team Japan looks on before the game against Team Republic of Korea during the semifinals of men’s baseball on day twelve of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 04, 2021 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
via Getty
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – AUGUST 04: Seiya Suzuki #51 of Team Japan looks on before the game against Team Republic of Korea during the semifinals of men’s baseball on day twelve of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 04, 2021 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
The transfer window is open and the trades are flying in thick and fast. With several reported moves already underway and completed; transfers from across the Pacific were no outlier. It’s official. Seiya Suzuki will play in MLB in 2022. And while taking Wrigley Field, the outfielder may well stand to shatter some records for offshore players as his contract kicks into gear.
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With the outfielder set to make his way to American shores to play out his time in MLB with the Chicago Cubs, fans will surely be excited. And even though Suzuki is set to be earning at a decent clip; his performances in the past seem to make clear that he certainly deserves that sort of an engagement. With his newest agreement ranging to a 5 year deal, fans will be eager to see Suzuki get going in MLB and just how effective he can be for the Cubs come 2022.
Seiya Suzuki set to join the Chicago Cubs
Seiya Suzuki has reportedly entered an agreement with the Chicago Cubs on a 5-year $85 million deal. The deal would make Suzuki the highest-paid Japanese position player coming to MLB and only the second-largest behind Masahiro Tanaka’s $155 million deal with the Yankees.
OF Seiya Suzuki's deal with the Cubs is massive: five years, $85 million, as @Ken_Rosenthal reported. It's the highest number for a Japanese position player coming to Major League Baseball and the second largest behind Masahiro Tanaka's $155 million contract with the Yankees.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 16, 2022
Read More: Breaking: Seiya Suzuki Snubs Boston Red Sox to Sign Huge Five-Year Deal With NL Team
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Suzuki arguably has a stellar record so far. The 5 time NPB All-Star is only 27; could well be yet to hit his peak performance as he makes his way to American shores. And with the age that he is at, Suzuki could potentially stand to service the Cubs not just for the 2022 season but maybe some time beyond too. Who knows Suzuki could well become a key piece in making the Chicago Cub’s puzzle to another title.
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Baseball – Men – Knockout Round 2 – United States v Japan – Yokohama Baseball Stadium, Yokohama, Japan – August 2, 2021. Seiya Suzuki of Japan in action. REUTERS/Jorge Silva
Having been traded from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Suzuki now stands to come to MLB with a solid number slash behind him. In the season past Suzuki posted a .317/.433/.639 slash line. Playing with the Carp, Suzuki slugged 38 homers, 26 doubles, and 88 RBIs. More interesting about his performance; Suzuki had nearly as many walks (87) as strikeouts (88).
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Suzuki is expected by fans to slot into the right field instead of Heyward in 2022. While Heyward has remained a consistent performer with the glove; his offensive contribution has dropped off somewhat. And Suzuki can be expected to come good on both fronts making him an interesting addition.
