MLB has told teams that outfielder Seiya Suzuki will be posted tomorrow morning, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. That will open a 30-day window for teams to negotiate with him, with the deadline being 4:00 pm CT on December 22. If he doesn’t sign a contract by then, he will return to the Hiroshima Carp, his team in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.
It was reported weeks ago that Suzuki was going to be posted, but the official timing of the posting is significant. The Collective Bargaining Agreement between MLB and MLBPA is set to expire at 11:59 pm ET on December 1. Due to the fact that it seems unlikely a deal will come together by then, the expectation around the industry has been that December 2 will see the implementation of a lockout and transaction freeze that would last until a new agreement is reached. Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed this scenario recently and seemed to point to its likelihood.
There’s a ten-day span from Suzuki’s posting tomorrow until that potential lockout day. Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirms that a transaction freeze would indeed apply to Suzuki as well, meaning no team could sign him while the freeze is in place. It had been previously reported that MLB and NPB were discussing an agreement wherein Suzuki’s 30-day clock would be paused during the freeze. That agreement seems to have been reached, as Sherman also reports that Suzuki’s 30-day clock will not move during a lockout. That means Suzuki is going to have to decide between hastily working out a deal in just over a week or dealing with the uncertainty of waiting out this winter’s labor strife and then having around 20 days of negotiating time on the other side of that.
Suzuki came in 20th on MLBTR’s list of Top 50 Free Agents and was predicted to get a contract of $55MM over five years. The 27-year-old seems capable of stepping right into the middle of the lineup for an MLB team, along with providing a strong arm and competent right field defense. 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. Since the reports that he was going to be posted, Suzuki has already been connected in rumors to the Red Sox, Rangers, Giants and Mariners.
So will teams still negotiate during the lockout just not make anything official? Probably not right?
He’ll most likely sign with the Braves. They are used to breaking the rules to pay international players.
The Braves aren’t signing him or any Japanese player not after the Kenshin Kawakami disaster.
That was a decade ago, no reason to not scout and sign other Japanese players because of a past mistake. However I don’t see the Braves as a fit with Acuna coming back later in 22. If anything the Braves will resign one of Soler or Rosario with a shorter commitment.
It’s not like the Orioles won’t be signing anyone from Texas again after the Chris Davis contract. C’mon man.
Well they haven’t signed any big free agents from Japan since then and they had plenty of opportunities to over the past 12 years.
But they had lots of turmoil with Kawakami and his interpreter and the Braves did not look the best on how they handled the whole situation. So maybe a lot of Japanese players avoid the Braves because of it.
That was a trade not signing. ⚾️
Think he meant the extension that Davis then subsequently signed.
Reports are they’re in on him. We’ll see.
Except the visually challenged; theyll hear
Not if they use Braille then they will feel
The Mets are losing Conforto. If they don’t get Marte or Castellanos Suzuki would be a nice fit.
Literally posted the same thing at the same time lol
Probably not Castellanos as he has a QO and his defense is leaves a lot to be desired
Mets don’t typically go after Japanese players. The only two I can think of off the top of my head are Kaz Matsui and Tsuyoshi Shinjo, and both of them are an eternity ago.
Eppler has been involved in signing Ohtani (as Angels GM) as well as both Tanaka & Igawa (as NYY AGM). He might want to go after Suzuki.
Eppler should go after him, the Mets haven’t gone after a Japanese player in a long time
Yoshii too and he was decent for them
rct – There haven’t been *that* many Japanese players posted, so signing two isn’t far from average. Nor do past actions of previous front office regimes indicate anything about the current group.
I don’t think Suzuki wants to play for a AAA team
I get it. It’s a joke about the Mets. How novel.
Well played, craven!
So why a team like the angels or Phillies go after him?
Honestly, this is a fair jab.
I think the Rangers end up getting him but, the Mets could use him as a replacement for Conforto
Giants will be in on this. I think he will end up signing for much more than 55 million,
There are marketing benefits in playing on the West Coast too. SF would be a great fit.
Plus they hired a Japanese American to their massive coaching staff…
Tiara Uematsu has been with the Giants for 14 years as a bullpen catcher, and has just been hired as a full time coach.
Story here: https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2021/11/9/22772939/giants-farhan-zaidi-coaching-pedro-guerrero-taira-uematsu
I always think Japanese players prefer a West Coast team and currently SF looks like the team with the best opportunity for a starting role..
Matsui & Moncada say hello.
Fukudome says WTF?
Moncada is Cuban not Japanese. So your point comes down to Matsui, one player does NOT mean Japanese players don’t prefer west coast teams
Lol. This dude Said Moncada.
Perhaps he should’ve said Matsui and Tanaka.
Or maybe Matsuzaka and Sawamura.
I know right?
Or Tanana
Yes the Giants will be on in this. They will likely be in on all the major free agents, but only sign a couple at most. I do see the Giants making some valuable moves this offseason
Agree
Perry Minasian is probably headed over to Tokyo right now to wine and dine him.
I have a Sake referral and a Japanese Professor ready if needed. Of course Ohtani will assist and Mike Trout also. Best of Luck!
Say what you want, but the dude has wooed some big fish.
And some small potatoes too
at a projected $11 mil a year this guy doesn’t break the piggy bank, but he’s been compared to Matsui and Ohtani in terms of impact at MLB-level. There are a lot of OF FAs available, guys with actual MLB tract records and who are less risky, but I’m guessing the bidding war will drive Suzuki’s price to above what’s projected by existing market.
I’m always weary of anyone who puts up big numbers over seas (Americans included). It’s been hit or miss.
*wary* although this does make me kind of weary.
And track records not tract records though this does make me want to drive my tractor
Then you could drive your tractor to the race track and bet the farm.
For every Matusi and Ichiro you’ll get a Igawa or Irabu
For every successful prospect, there are more unsuccessful ones. It doesn’t matter what country they play in.
I actually thumbed you both up. I don’t think CravenMoorehead was trying to make a blanket generalization about Japanese players so much as he was trying to point out that it’s a question mark how much success in NPL translates to MLB. But it’s also true, as gbs42 points out, that some prospects pan out and others don’t live up to the hype.
@ gbs42;
Comparing apples and oranges……
Seiya Suzuki is 27 years-old and has been playing professional baseball in Japan for 9 years. It’s stretching it to say that’s the definition of a prospect.
The fact is that players from the Japanese League (as well as from other countries) do not translate well when playing in MLB. Ichiro and Ohtani are the only 2 that came to the states and have been top stars for years. A number of others have come and had nice careers as above average players; many like Darvish, Nomo, and Maeda had some great years and struggled in others. Most have not been worth the money.
Try “List of Major League Baseball players from Japan” on Wikipedia to see the 63 players that came to MLB from Japan.
@gbs42
I should have clarified that we were discussing a player being posted from Japan, therefore I gave examples. You’re taking the discussion in a different direction with your reply homie.
And for every Hideki theres a Kaz
@ BTH “It’s been hit or miss”
That’s kind of how baseball works.
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist)
Probably Texas
Morosi reported Rangers and Mets are the most likely suitors. A mystery team will probably enter the mix at some point too.
If JP said it, then its wrong
Don’t be surprised if Seattle pays top dollar for this ball player.
You guys can have Bryant, while we get Suzuki, how does that sound?
-Giants fan
Alright that’s cool with me.
Seattle has no place to play him. Not a good fit. Angels, maybe, if they choose to continue with Trout in CF while his defense declines, and risk more leg injuries. LAD can always afford, but dont see him wanting a part time role.. SD could afford but with Myers still on the payroll, dont see him as a priority, and Kim didnt work out that well. Oakland doesnt look like they will be signing anyone.. If he wants an West Coast team , SFG looks to be the best fit. He would be a great fit to play RF in Milwaukee ,
On paper Seattle might not look like this best fit as far as having a position for him. But Seattle does has enough defensive flexibility, and an open DH spot that they could go after really any hitter they want and find a spot for him. The only spot that is truly spoken for is SS… They’ve had a Japanese player on their roster every year since 1996, but now there’s an opening.
This is not true at all. Seattle has a clear path to an OF spot because of the injury concerns with Kyle Lewis. Mitch Haniger and Kyle Lewis will be splitting the majority of the DH at bats, Julio is months out, Kelenic had a poor showing, and Fraley and Trammell profile as 4th OFs.
Then they can trade Trammell and Kelenic to Reds for a pitcher. It would be a reunion for Trammell and a win-win deal for both.
I wouldn’t think Seattle wants to trade Kelenic in order to acquire Suzuki.
You wouldn’t think that Seattle wants to trade Kelenic to acquire Suzuki? Thanks for the great insight. Normally I would trade a top prospect baseball that hasn’t had a good showing in an extremely small sample size so I can try and sign a Japanese player that’s a complete question mark…Honestly trying to figure out why that comment was even made…
The idea is that if Seattle finds a free agent outfielder that they could then trade a couple of outfielders like Kleenex and Trammell to the Reds to get a pitcher.
My apologies SodoMojo90. I was responding to my man MannyBengMVP… who suggested that if Seattle can acquire an OFer (Suzuki) they could trade Kelenic to the Reds. I personally, think that Seattle wouldn’t want to trade Kelenic in order to open a spot for Suzuki. That’s just me. I shouldn’t have said it at all. Can you forgive my ignorance?
I understand that Kelenic is a valued piece but if could get the Reds to part with Castillo, Kelenic and Trammell seem like a small price to pay. For Sonny Gray, both outfielders does seem like too much.
Seattle may also feel comfortable parting with Kelenic after the scandal where their former management conceded that Kelenic was purposefully being held down (though he did not seem quite ready when he came up).
Not True! Seattle signs Suzuki and Haniger becomes trade bait.
He can play third base, which is the Mariners’ biggest need right now. Also, while it looks like their outfield will soon be spectacular, they might not be there yet. They have one more year of Haniger, and Lewis is a big question mark..
I hope the Mariners sign him.
After Milwaukee acquiring Renfroe, I don’t see them going after Suzuki.
I actually see the Red Sox as a good fit. Bloom did state, he will be looking for a right handed bat for the OF after the trade of Hunter Renfrow
I am intrigued by Seattle going after him also. From a marketing stance they seem to do special things to entice Japanese talent. Like going to Japan to have Ichiro retire… Jerry Dipoto also made a statement last week saying “the Mariners will have at least one Japanese player on the roster next year” which I think is kinda a weird statement being they have none right now.. They also announced ichiro being inducted into the Mariners hall of fame next summer last week. To me it feels like they have an agenda… is any of Nintendo still a part of the Mariners ownership? Just me being a conspiracy theorist. But Seattle seems to be a place Japanese players enjoy, kazahiro, iwakuma, johjima, ichiro, hasagawa. Port city with Japanese population. Who knows though, Seattle’s outfield seems crowded but also not super guaranteed on who plays where.
But dipotos actions seem like they are obviously making an effort.
Nintendo still owns a minority interest in the Mariners and Ichiro is the Special Assistant to the Chairman. They will go after Suzuki hard.
Thanks for the clarification, I personally think/hope they go hard for him.
Actually Jerry didn’t really say exactly that….He Jerried the answer in ignorant double speak
“ I will say, we’re not going to choose to start the season without a Japanese player. There’s always opportunities.””
Jerry’s cluttered mind hurts to follow. It’s possible we are interested, we should be with a big hole in center field that possibly gets filled by Julio mid June or July. Then Mitch leaves after the season and Seiya could slide right over to right field. Seiya at 27 will be half price of 2023 Mitch.
Oh that is funny wording when you see it spelt out. I agree he is hard to follow. It’s like he is oddly specific but at the same time isn’t really saying anything at all. But talks a lot.
I feel he has done a good job all in all though, looking forward to how it all plays out.
He also plays third base, which is exactly what the Mariners need.
His arm definitely plays third base just not convinced in any scenario that Seiya gets signed to play an infield position full time at the mlb level. Sorry not happening
Thanks for the tip. Now I wont be surprised
Farhan Zaidi is ready to strike. Lots of $ to spend and a aggressive ownership that wants to win and sell tickets….
Yeah I wouldn’t be surprised if the bulk of the money is spent on Gausman/Suzuki and then he just spends the rest on small 1-2 year deals less than $10M like the Wood and DeSclafani deals
I agree. Whatever happens, I trust that Zaidi and Harris know what they are doing.
As much as Suzuki fits the Giants’ profile as a versatile, utility guy, pitching is the primary concern and hole to fill. The Giants have Logan Webb and…?
Good point. I’m confident they’ll put together a solid rotation. They’ll find hidden gems and reclamation projects.
Right,because they havent won in a really long time. Makes sense
My team is going to get him for sure, my team has a need and is going to sign him for not that much! But if they spend more than that much it will be too much. My GM is ready to spend my owner is rich.
Dusty the Jays are interested? Is this guy a lefty or right bat? I have no idea.
Ha no I was being generic in a poor attempt to be funny.
I don’t think the jays will make a play, they have enough RH outfielders. Maybe they offer up one of their OFs to a team who loses out on Suzuki though
It wasn’t a poor attempt, it was just over their head apparently
Mario, you can click on his link in the first sentence of the article to find out if he’s a lefty or eighty, and lots more.
Red Sox said they were interested but honestly I’d like to get Kim Ha-Seong from the Padres because I think he would have upside. He’s a replacement player for them.
“I’d like to get Kim Ha-Seong..”
You work for the Red Sox?
No, I don’t. Just using first person
See ya in Seattle, Suzuki
why would they get Suzuki, when they already have a crowded OF? Don’t see Seattle adding another OF to the 5 they have and how would you promote Julio this year?
For the Angels:
Sign Suzuki to play RF. Trade Adell and a pitcher like Barria for Sonny Gray.
The Reds get a replacement arm and a starting, cost-controlled RF for the next 5 years, and the Angels get a proven SP to add to the rotation. I know Gray needs a lot of maintenance and analysis from the coaching staff, but when he’s on his game he can dominate.
I’m not a fan of trading Adell because I think he is a Torii Hunter in the making, but a trade of any value is going to hurt.
That’s way too much for Sonny Gray… for Castillo maybe, but I don’t see the angels wanting to trade Adell
Lockout means possibility of frozen carp.
Since fish are unlikely to serve frozen carp, Suzuki might be served with a fine Mets’ whine.
I’m predicting the Red Sox get him. Makes the most sense, after trading Renfrow. They need another OF. Bloom even said he is going to be looking for a Right handed of bat once Lockout is over. Along with Relief pitching
How good is this guy?
Good.
Disagree. Hes fairly good
Probably the most hyped Japanese player since Ohtani. Other than the 4 teams mentioned to have interest, I could see the Cubs making a play as well. The risk-taking Padres also wouldn’t surprise me.
No one really knows; roll the dice.
Interestingly the reporting on the freeze of the negotiating window only specifies that a team cannot sign him during a lockout. It’s possibly vague enough that talking to him is still in play. Makes sense since he is not a union member until he actually signs.
I predict Mets, Texas or Seattle.
Thanks. Always interested in your predictions
I’m predicting the Red Sox get him. Makes the most sense, after trading Renfrow. They need another OF. Bloom even said he is going to be looking for a Right handed of bat once Lockout is over. Along with Relief pitching
Giants or Seattle (if there’s uncertainty over paying Haniger past 2022). The other options of Arlington or Queens seem like places for good players to go to rot in bad situations.
Spoken like an unbiased prophet.
Your wisdom is priceless
Tigers? He would fit nicely in RF. Hideo Nomo loved the D.
So, what will they do with Greene? 0% chance he signs with Det.
My guess is the Mariners or Angels, with the Mets as a dark horse due to Eppler joining the team.
I would really like to see the Tigers get involved on a player like this. They’ve never really got into signings of this nature. The only time I really remember them even coming close was sniffing around Cespedes before he ended up signing with A’s back in the day. I think this could be a good fit with Baddoo and Grossman in the other OF spots. That way you have 3 competent and young OFs to play along with Greene when he inevitably comes up from AAA with Tork in late April (depending on how the service clock ends up working with new CBA). You put that together with an IF consisting of Candelario, Schoop, Miggy, Torkelson and whomever the Tigers sign to play SS and we got a fairly decent offense to run out there!
Munenori Kawasaki!
Why hasn’t anybody mentioned him, and his splendid career?
Meanwhile Seattle is the place to be. Trade Kellenic, Although he probably doesn’t have much trade value right now
Right; they’ll probably trade him for cash considerations any day now.
Mets will take back Kelenic
Yeah no one wants Kelenic. He’s washed up. His small sample size was enough to know that he’ll be nothing but AAAA player…
Lol lol
Imagine being this sure of such a horrible take
why would you trade a young player like Kelenic, who has stud 5 tool stuff to take a chance on someone else? Don’t see Seattle at all. Where would you put Julio when he is called up/
Mets need a CF and RF they should sign him and Marte , than resign Stroman,Baez and Loup, than sign Ray since Cohen he’ll open his checkbook. I would try and trade Carrasco,Smith and Davis for some relief pitchers. They can have a rotation of deGrom,Stroman,Ray,Walker and either Peterson or Megill and the other one goes to the bullpen. Bring up Vientos to play 3b.
Angels need to sign him and package Adell to the Reds for a SPer.
Is either the Rangers or Mariners. SF is an optoon but is more of a pitchers park.
5/70M with an opt out after 3 or 4.
I hope the Mariners throw the book at him. We need this guys bat badly.
See ya at the BigA!
Ohtani recruiting!Gonna be interesting to see how much pull he has in Japan.In theory if the halos could cherry pick in Japan the landscape in LA would even out slowly with talent and depth
Angels new shortstop
God I want seiya. Ugh. I’m so amped. He is being posted in the morning. He either goes out and takes the money in the next ten days or waits w a potential lockout doomed and he gets nada. Either way. Pay him. I don’t care if it’s 100 million dollers. Pay him. Trade hannipoo and trammel to cinci for sonny gray. Sign sherzer sign Bryant. No way in hell we would t be the top favorites to not only go to the playoffs but clear favorite the win the world series
I think he will sign with Atlanta.
After all, he played for Hiroshima so he just might prefer cities that were burnt to the ground during major wars!