Headlines

  • Boras: Michael Conforto Not Ruling Out Late-Season Return
  • Mariners Option Jarred Kelenic, Claim Adrian Sampson
  • Kumar Rocker Signs With Frontier League’s Tri-City ValleyCats
  • Dodgers Place Clayton Kershaw On Injured List
  • Bryce Harper Has Tear In UCL, Won’t Throw For Four Weeks
  • Padres Sign Robinson Cano
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2022
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Latest On Seiya Suzuki

By Darragh McDonald | November 17, 2021 at 7:08pm CDT

Nov. 17: Suzuki is going to be posted next week, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. That would give him approximately one week to negotiate with MLB teams before the CBA expires on December 1.

Nov. 16: It had already been reported that the Hiroshima Carp of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball were planning on posting outfielder Seiya Suzuki for Major League teams this winter, and now the team has confirmed those reports. After the team made the announcement earlier today, Suzuki spoke to the media about his planned transition, as relayed by Nikkan Sports and Yahoo Japan. (Both links in Japanese.)

Although the club confirmed that Suzuki will soon be posted, it doesn’t seem as though the posting has been made official just yet. This is potentially an important detail because once the posting is made official, it starts a 30-day window for MLB teams to negotiate with Suzuki and his representatives. If that clock runs out without Suzuki having signed an MLB deal, he will return to the Carp.

This year, that has the potential to coincide with the December 1 expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which could reportedly lead to a transaction freeze. Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic addressed this issue, reporting that “MLB and NPB were close to an agreement in which that clock would be stopped in the event of an industry lockout.” The wording is vague there, making it unclear if the agreement is actually in place or not, but that would be another noteworthy detail in this saga. Hypothetically, even if Suzuki were posted tomorrow, just two weeks would transpire before December 1 and the expiring of the CBA. If a transaction freeze were then implemented, Suzuki’s 30-day clock would be paused, leaving him with more than two weeks of negotiating time after a new CBA is implemented and transactions are resumed. Of course, all of that is contingent on that MLB-NPB agreement having been finalized.

Suzuki, 27, has been one of the best players in NPB in recent years and figures to have a robust market once the posting is made official. MLBTR recently ranked him 20th on the annual list of top free agents, noting that he has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat with competent defense, and projecting he could land a contract of $55MM over five years. Since rumors of his posting emerged, he’s already been connected to the Giants, Rangers and Red Sox. Any big league team that signs Suzuki would owe the Carp a fee equal to 20% of the contract’s first $25MM, 17.5% of the next $25MM and 15% of any dollars thereafter. For example, if Suzuki were signed for $55MM as MLBTR predicted, the signing team would have to pay the Carp $10.125MM, bringing the total bill to $65.125MM.

Share 0 Retweet 8 Send via email0

Nippon Professional Baseball Seiya Suzuki

Final Qualifying Offer Decisions
Main
Cleveland Guardians Name To Become Official On Friday
View Comments (82)

Comments

  1. Brian Meyer

    6 months ago

    If it only takes 5/55 plus the posting fee it seems like a risk Cleveland would be willing to take, but it’s so hard to get these Asian players to sign in the Midwest. I can’t imagine they have a shot even though it seems like a perfect fit. I guess the reds signed someone a couple years back so maybe there’s a chance

    Reply
    • thickiedon

      6 months ago

      Cleveland is where I guessed him going. Seems logical

      Reply
      • The Mets "Missed WAR"

        6 months ago

        Atlanta could sign him. They don’t have a single outfielder under contract that is expected to start the season. Only Acuna and he’s hurt. Even if they keep Duvall and one of Soler or Rosario they will need to add at least one or two more outfielders. I like this guy at that price. If he busts it sucks to have him on a 5 year contract but if he ends up hitting like he has in Japan that contract becomes a long term steal. His numbers are so good I think he’s worth the risk.

        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          6 months ago

          Definitely Atlanta. So many teams will be in on him.

        • Joeypower

          6 months ago

          Don’t forget osuna!

        • compassrose

          6 months ago

          I think he comes to Seattle because they can offer something no one else can. He can be trained and workout with Ichiro. That guy when he was in Seattle and not out helping the minor league teams. He would be out doing his stretches and working like he did when he played. He would catch BP for guys and work on pitching for batting practice. I guess that is a goal for him to throw batting practice before games. Always been a team guy. Would probably love to work with this guy.

          Now Atlanta we have a few extra OFers we could trade to you. If you want to empty some top of the line SPs and a couple mid tier position guys you might get Haniger from us. Some mid range talent Trammell there are a couple more we could bundle a few for you too.

          Wtiter talks about Torrens being the C of the team. You notice how not sure right around the AS break Torrens was never behind the plate? It is because he spent way too many times running to the backstop to get the ball. He lifts on low balls and they go under him. Not sure why but nobody would or should consider him a starter behind the plate unless it is someone in our Div. If that is the case he is great one of the best C so have seen.

        • Braves Butt-Head

          6 months ago

          Atlanta isn’t signing him they have not even tried to sign a Japanese player since Kenshin Kawakami.

        • The Mets "Missed WAR"

          6 months ago

          @Braves Butt-Head: That might be true. A lot of people forget Kawakami but he was terrible. It’s hard to believe he won the Japanese version of the Cy Young multiple times before coming over here. How was he so good over there but so bad over here? I think that was a Frank Wren move though. That guy was the worst Braves GM I have ever seen. He got Kawakami at the same time he paid Boras a ton of money for Derek Lowe and BJ Upton. The Braves ended up releasing Lowe even though they paid him $60M because he was so bad. BJ Upton is arguably the worst overall contract in MLB history. He hit .232 the season before and Wren still paid him $75.5M. Upton never had a season with the Braves where he didn’t post negative WAR. Wren literally paid him over $75M to be worse than a triple-A replacement. The Braves could have saved all that money and won more games if they had just plugged a nobody into CF instead of Upton. And since when is a sub-.200 hitter who strikes out a ton and never walks considered a lead off hitter? I think Suzuki will be better though. He’s much younger than any of those guys and his numbers are really good. He’s only a year or so older than Ohtani and clearly that guys hitting stats translated from Japan. You’re right though. When they come from an Asian league there is always a question mark. The average player just doesn’t seem to be as good over there.

      • worthington

        6 months ago

        How is it Logical?

        Reply
    • lordd99

      6 months ago

      That’s an interesting question. He could be a high-production addition for a lower cost, which would appeal to Cleveland. On the flip side, can they take that kind of risk as easily as a big spending team like the Red Sox? He’s an unknown quantity. Unlike pitchers coming from Japan, hitters have had much less success short of the Ichiro and Matsui class. There’s been quite a few busts.

      Reply
      • The Mets "Missed WAR"

        6 months ago

        Don’t forget about Ohtani. I’ve heard that guy is a pretty good hitter.

        Reply
        • bosox2004

          6 months ago

          Who?

        • moosem

          6 months ago

          Yes, the Mets should jump in quick & big Eppler has a record of accomplishment with Japanese players. if we could get him 5 yr. /$55 mil great but we should go big say the 5 yrs. with option or just go with the 6 yr./$72 million. He is young that would make him around 33yr. Plus hire a Japanese coach he wants to help him transition. Plus, help the other players with differ view or approach.

      • debubba

        6 months ago

        It actually is less of a risk. After all the money gets settled, these type of players can have reasonable contracts. Mark Canha, player in his 40’s will get 12 mil a year. To get a player at 27, for 10 mil or so, it is a steal.

        Reply
        • SpendNuttinWinNuttin

          6 months ago

          Canha is 32 lol

        • debubba

          6 months ago

          Sorry for the error. Need to do a better job of editing before I press send.

  2. CalcetinesBlancos

    6 months ago

    This guy is totally worth the gamble. It’s not even that much money.

    Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      6 months ago

      Depending on how a team really perceives him, it’s just money and even a team that has a position filled could then flip someone for another need.

      Reply
  3. rangers13

    6 months ago

    He would solve Rangers LF problems for sure and he is young enough to benefit the club now and in the next contention period.

    Reply
  4. VonPurpleHayes

    6 months ago

    Rangers, Phillies, Mets, Guardians…no shortage of good fits.

    Reply
    • cpdpoet

      6 months ago

      I know I am heading into metsfan22 territory, but how great would it be to sign this guy AND Marte and trade a few of their slew of failed OF “prospects” for a good set-up / swing man…?

      Thus keeping draft picks as well….

      Reply
      • empirejim

        6 months ago

        Sure. Lots of teams are looking to unload a good set-up/swing arm for failed OF “prospects”…

        Reply
        • cpdpoet

          6 months ago

          ….hence my first few words….?

          And I am sure there are a few 2nd tier teams who would see Ortiz, Haseley, Moniak etc (save Randolph (2015) who was given minor league free agency, but had a solid 2021 campaign) as change of scenery guys….As the Phillies minor league hitting philosophy screwed some up…

          Teams are mostly willing to give first rounders a second chance…

          But hey thanks…..

        • empirejim

          6 months ago

          I’m not familiar with the Metsfan22 reference so I’m guessing I blew that one?? But my point, even if poorly stated, was that to get quality you usually have to give quality.

    • Manbitesdog

      6 months ago

      Mets definitely

      Reply
  5. chaim bloom

    6 months ago

    going to the yankees

    Reply
    • RobM

      6 months ago

      Nah. No room for him.

      Reply
  6. empirejim

    6 months ago

    I wonder… Does the posting fee count against payroll for the purposes of the luxury tax? That is a factor to consider.

    Reply
    • Ducky Buckin Fent

      6 months ago

      It does not.

      Reply
  7. mets7300

    6 months ago

    Eppler will be ALL OVER THIS.

    Reply
    • citizen

      6 months ago

      eppler is busy resigning yonis cepedes and taking cepedes on a golf outing.

      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        6 months ago

        *boar hunting

        Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          6 months ago

          Boar hunting is awesome, bro.

        • Lloyd Emerson

          6 months ago

          Bro hunting is awesome, boar.

    • Manbitesdog

      6 months ago

      Better f’n be

      Reply
  8. mister guy

    6 months ago

    giants man, if he does well he will be the Seiya hey kid.

    Reply
    • Redwolves3

      6 months ago

      Giants need a solid offensive and defensive left fielder.

      Reply
    • claude raymond

      6 months ago

      I want giants to get him but his name is perfect for the Yankees tv play-by-play guy, Michael Kay. One of the best. Funny, Yankees radio guy Sterling is probably the worst.

      Reply
      • andremets

        6 months ago

        Sterling certainly has his weaknesses and critics, but he is extremely popular. He’s got some of the best all time catch phrases. I’m partial to my Mets announcers (Darling, Keith H.), but who doesn’t enjoy “Gardy goes Yardy!!!”?

        Reply
        • mils100

          6 months ago

          I enjoy him and I’m not a Yanks fan. He brings some energy/passion that covers up most of the flaws. Plus, isn’t he 85 and last year he was working off monitors for road games and at times it was a mess. But it was entertaining.

      • sfes

        6 months ago

        Even Yankees fans I know hate Michael Kay. I’d rather hear Sterling over him

        Reply
  9. kobo77

    6 months ago

    He will be a Giant, farhan isn’t going to let this one go with the bank roll he has to spend and the need for that RH bat in the outfield!

    Reply
    • ltully789

      6 months ago

      The Giants also recently added Taira Uematsu to their coaching staff – the first native of Japan to be a full-time member of an MLB coaching staff. That would presumably be at least a modest additional selling point when they go after Suzuki.

      Reply
  10. jvent

    6 months ago

    The Mets need outfielders

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      6 months ago

      I think they need pitching more than OFs. But yes they need OFs.

      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        6 months ago

        Mets seem to have a lot of “needs”. hmmmm.

        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          6 months ago

          Sort of makes you nostalgic for the Wilpon era. The good ol’ days.

        • Ma4170

          6 months ago

          Oh we definitely have needs!

  11. bigdaddyhacks

    6 months ago

    Another Suzuki in Seattle. Nice.

    Reply
  12. empirejim

    6 months ago

    Suzuki has the advantage of at least one month to decide which offer to accept once NPB posts him. He can see how the rosters are lining up and factor that into his decision. He’s totally in the drivers seat and all of baseball can only wring their hands and hope.
    Get ready for star players to begin making their pitches and for the wine-and-dine trips all over the map…

    Reply
  13. DarkSide830

    6 months ago

    im on the Rangers train now. easy fit, money to spend, farther West and more history with NPB players than most other suitors.

    Reply
  14. laswagn

    6 months ago

    Possible replacement for Pollock in LF

    Reply
    • tstats

      6 months ago

      No we like pollock

      Reply
  15. wolfmagic2012

    6 months ago

    Mariners will be in on this bidding big-time.

    Reply
    • Vizionaire

      6 months ago

      and diputo will trade him in may.

      Reply
      • Gk_holiday

        6 months ago

        Dipoto will sign him next week, and trade him in May? Because why?

        Reply
        • iverbure

          6 months ago

          It’s a joke buddy… Jesus

        • Gk_holiday

          6 months ago

          I mean… it’s not funny. There’s no basis. If DiPoto had a history of doing this, I would rolling over laughing. Jesus Christ bro.

  16. HidekiMatsuimalemodel

    6 months ago

    Hope he’s not a complete bust like shogo akiyama but he does look bigger and stronger that that flop

    Reply
    • debubba

      6 months ago

      Akiyama is in his 30’s with a higher strikeout rate. Suzuki’s game should translate.

      Reply
    • phillyphilly4133

      6 months ago

      Suzuki is in his prime, more complete player and way better than Akiyama.

      Reply
      • HidekiMatsuimalemodel

        6 months ago

        He does look bigger and stronger than most Japanese players and looks like he could hit some hr in mlb. I think he’ll only hit around 240-250 range

        Reply
  17. RJNarvick

    6 months ago

    Gotta believe he’s going to a West coast team. Preller will be all over it.

    Reply
  18. drfelix

    6 months ago

    Seattle was BIG on Ohtani and even offered more $$$ than the Angels but Ohtani wanted Angels more

    Reply
    • bigdaddyhacks

      6 months ago

      That’s working out swimmingly.

      Reply
      • rivera42

        6 months ago

        Yeah, who could’ve foreseen that not working out?

        Reply
  19. cars

    6 months ago

    Having to pay the Japanese team a posting fee for Suzuki leaves the Cubs out.

    Reply
  20. mets7300

    6 months ago

    Eppler will Sign Him.

    Reply
  21. Mikel Grady

    6 months ago

    Welcome to the Cubs

    Reply
    • BillyBaggins

      6 months ago

      I wouldn’t mind that. Hopefully if it happens. He doesn’t turn into Fukudome.

      Reply
  22. GoYanks

    6 months ago

    Since when has the baseball become a gamble? They won’t take him unless they’re 100%.

    Reply
  23. GoYanks

    6 months ago

    Seiya is highly likely to succeed as his uncle Ichiro Suzuki did.

    Reply
    • AlienBob

      6 months ago

      Ichiro, wasn’t made Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Seattle Mariners for nothing. His job is to recruit Japanese players. This will be his first big test. What proof do you have that they are related?

      Reply
      • iverbure

        6 months ago

        Last name is the same spelling. Duh

        Reply
  24. urnuts

    6 months ago

    Signs with the Angels and then the Angels trade Adell to Cinn for SP.

    Reply
  25. louiep

    6 months ago

    Hey Jerry throw the book at him this guy is going to be a immense All-Star elite talent I don’t care where he plays as long as he’s wearing a Seattle Mariner uniform we lost out on shohei otani just barely let’s not make that mistake again

    Reply
  26. phillyphilly4133

    6 months ago

    He looks to be the only one coming over this year. I have not heard any rumors this offseason on some of the prior guys like Sugano and Yamada.

    Yamada signed a long term deal so he was unlikely but Sugano signed his deal last year with opt outs after each season giving him the ability to retry posting.

    Reply
    • HidekiMatsuimalemodel

      6 months ago

      Sugano was awful this year in Japan he’ll never play in mlb.

      Reply
  27. AlienBob

    6 months ago

    I am sure Ichiro is on the phone to Seiya Suzuki as we speak. The bidding process is probably already over.

    Reply
  28. Tsand

    6 months ago

    Royals 5 years 60 mill

    Reply
  29. BillyBaggins

    6 months ago

    How do you pronounce his name? Is it like “See ya”? If it is. The homerun calls write themselves. Especially if he were to sign with the Yankees.

    “Seiya and Goodbye, a homerun for Suzuki”

    Reply
  30. HidekiMatsuimalemodel

    6 months ago

    He does look bigger and stronger than most Japanese players and looks like he could hit some hr in mlb. I think he’ll only hit around 240-250 range

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Boras: Michael Conforto Not Ruling Out Late-Season Return

    Mariners Option Jarred Kelenic, Claim Adrian Sampson

    Kumar Rocker Signs With Frontier League’s Tri-City ValleyCats

    Dodgers Place Clayton Kershaw On Injured List

    Bryce Harper Has Tear In UCL, Won’t Throw For Four Weeks

    Padres Sign Robinson Cano

    Gerardo Parra Retires

    Mariners Promote George Kirby, Place Ken Giles On 60-Day IL

    Diamondbacks To Promote Alek Thomas

    A’s Reinstate Ramon Laureano, Designate Jorge Juan

    Mets Release Robinson Cano

    Twins To Promote Royce Lewis

    Carlos Correa Diagnosed With Bruised Finger, May Avoid Injured List

    Miguel Sano To Undergo Surgery To Repair Torn Meniscus In Knee

    Twins Promote Jose Miranda

    Recent

    Blue Jays Option Cavan Biggio

    Jake Odorizzi Carted Off With Left Leg Injury

    Marlins Notes: Poteet, Meyer, Sanchez

    Diamondbacks Select Jake Hager

    Giants Activate Tommy La Stella, Place Anthony DeSclafani On 60-Day IL

    Guardians Acquire Yohan Ramirez From Mariners

    Boras: Michael Conforto Not Ruling Out Late-Season Return

    Rays To Place Brandon Lowe On Injured List

    Pirates Claim Tyler Heineman, Designate Andrew Knapp

    Mariners Select Roenis Elias

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Trevor Story Rumors
    • Frankie Montas Rumors
    • Michael Conforto Rumors
    • Arbitration Tracker
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • MLB Player Chats
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2022
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version