Camila Sosa
The Chicago Cubs rocked the major league market Wednesday by taking over the services of Seiya Suzuki, the Japanese superstar who was tempted by more than a dozen MLB organizations.
The first to report the hiring was NBC Sports Chicago journalist David Kaplan, who, on his Twitter account, revealed that Cubs owner Tom Ricketts himself sealed the deal with the outfielder in a meeting Tuesday night.
Following the news, the Athletic journalist Ken Rosenthal later added that the organization’s deal with Suzuki was for five seasons, $85 million and a no-change clause. In addition, the Cubs will have to pay taxes to the Hiroshima Carp, the team where Suzuki played for nine seasons in the NBP.
Seiya Suzuki is a 27-year-old ranger with an impressive career in Japan. In 1,055 engagements with Hiroshima he left a terrific offensive line of .309/.402/.541 with 189 home runs, 621 RBIs, 208 doubles, 102 stolen bases, two Central League batting titles and was called up to four All-Star Games.
In addition, Suzuki is an excellent defender by accumulating three Gold Gloves in the gardens and has the ability to play third base and shortstop. Seiya has also represented his country greatly, and he was a pillar of the gold medal won by Japan at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
Among the teams that were behind Suzuki’s services are: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. However, it ended up being the team of the “windy city” who stayed with the Japanese, who now reaps the largest contract for a Major League baseball position player born in Japan.
Seiya Suzuki and His Role in the Chicago Cubs
The hiring of Seiya Suzuki comes to complete a fairly complete Cubs outfield with names like Ian Happ, Rafael Ortega, Jason Heyward and newcomer Clint Frazier.
Of course Suzuki will have a secure spot among them, and the Japanese is expected to be manager David Ross’ daily right fielder, bringing offense and great defense to a team that on paper doesn’t aspire much in the National League.
In the offensive lineup, Suzuki should be between the third and fifth place, as he can not only bring power with the bat, but great discipline at the plate and a lot of contact. An example of this is that last season with Hiroshima, when he struck out 88 times, but received 87 tickets leaving an average of .317 and OBP of .433.
Suzuki was a priority for the Cubs after Kyle Schwarber’s option drifted away as days went by. Since April, one of the most anticipated figures will be in Chicago, and he could join Shohei Othani as the main representatives of Japanese baseball of the Major Leagues nowadays.
