Headlines

  • Red Sox Promote Roman Anthony
  • Craig Kimbrel Elects Free Agency
  • Marlins Place Ryan Weathers On 60-Day IL With Lat Strain
  • White Sox To Promote Grant Taylor
  • Mariners Designate Leody Taveras For Assignment, Outright Casey Lawrence
  • Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • 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
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction 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

Seiya Suzuki Still Planning To Wait Out Lockout To Sign With MLB Club

By Anthony Franco | January 13, 2022 at 10:47am CDT

As it has for all major league free agents, the lockout has frozen the signing process for Seiya Suzuki. The Japanese star was posted by his NPB club, the Hiroshima Carp, in late November. That opened a 30-day window for Suzuki to come to an agreement with a big league team, but MLB instituted a lockout just ten days into the posting process.

MLB and NPB agreed to freeze Suzuki’s posting window for the duration of the lockout. Now six weeks into the work stoppage with essentially no progress on key issues, questions had begun to emerge about Suzuki’s future. NPB preseason camps open February 1, and there’d been some thought that he may choose to return to the Carp if MLB and the Players Association don’t make rapid progress over the coming weeks.

Suzuki’s apparently not considering that course of action, however. In an interview with Andrew Baggarly of the Athletic, Suzuki suggested he’s content to wait out an extended work stoppage. “I’m just going to wait until both sides agree,” the outfielder told Baggarly via an interpreter. “There’s no date I set on myself. In Japan, you don’t experience a lockout so it’s a first for me. At first, I was a little worried about it. But when you think about it, it’s going to end sometime soon. Just having that positive mindset that it will end sometime has allowed me to keep my head up.”

With ten days of the posting process already elapsed, Suzuki and his representatives at Wasserman will have 20 days after the finalization of a new collective bargaining agreement to hammer out a deal with a big league club. There’ll be no shortage of interest. Baggarly writes that between ten and twelve teams had reached out to Suzuki prior to the lockout. The Giants, Mariners, Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Yankees have all been linked to the right-handed hitter in past reports. Baggarly adds the Rays, Padres and Dodgers as teams expected to be in the mix.

Entering the offseason, MLBTR forecast Suzuki for a $55MM guarantee over five seasons. Evaluators with whom MLBTR spoke expressed varying opinions on his upside, but broad consensus was that he could be a well-rounded everyday right fielder in the big leagues. He’s coming off a monster showing at Japan’s top level, hitting .317/.433/.639 with 38 home runs across 533 plate appearances. That huge power production didn’t come with much swing-and-miss. He fanned in only 16.5% of his trips to the dish while walking at a robust 16.3% clip. (R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports provides some batted ball and plate discipline metrics from Suzuki’s last season in NPB).

Suzuki didn’t tip his hand regarding geographical or league preferences for his next destination. Yet he does offer some insight into his motivation for playing in the majors and on which players he models his game. Baggarly’s piece, which also includes tidbits from a few of Suzuki’s former teammates, is worth checking out in full.

Share 0 Retweet 15 Send via email0

Los Angeles Dodgers Newsstand Nippon Professional Baseball San Diego Padres Tampa Bay Rays Seiya Suzuki

MLBPA Takes Issue With Endeavor’s Purchase Of Minor League Affiliates
Main
Travis Snider Announces Retirement
View Comments (102)
Post a Comment

102 Comments

  1. seamaholic 2

    3 years ago

    Smart of his agents to get this story out there, so the teams he was talking to pre-lockout don’t decide to spend their dollars elsewhere, expecting him to stay home.

    4
    Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      3 years ago

      Teams can’t spend any money right now so he has nothing to worry about on that front. So long as he is still on the market when the CBA is finalized, every team interested will start bidding for his services. With all of the interest in him, he’s in line to blow away the $11M/yr. guarantee that MLBTR predicted.

      9
      Reply
      • rememberthecoop

        3 years ago

        I agree. My prediction is 16MM per over 5 years.

        1
        Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          3 years ago

          Coop:

          Agree. In fact, I actually think just a tad higher than even your guess.

          1
          Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        1.) I think Suzuki is poised to do MUCH better than projected as there are few defensively versatile outfielders left. I will be the first to admit that I do not know how good, great or bad his play will translate to MLB, but the demand is going to be there given his impressive track record.

        2.) While teams cannot spend money for major league players during the lockout, they are using the extra time to consider options. Suzuki wants his name in play for those conversations. Who knows? There may even be some “illegal” conversations between management and agents over a beverage or a phone call, shocking though that may sound (not).

        Reply
        • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

          3 years ago

          I also agree that Suzuki is going to get more than the projected $55 million for the same reason you guys do. I think it will be a little different though. I think due to Suzuki’s age if 27 (the same age Manny Machado and Bryce Harper were when Harper got his 13-year $330 million extension), the teams that go after Suzuki will actually try to sign him longer term than 5 years. I think they will also expect that to help lower his AAV from the $16 million you guys suggested.

          My guess is Suzuki signs a contract that pays him anywhere from $10-15 million AAV but the contract will be at least 6 years and up to 8 years in length.

          My guess is the absolute worse case for Suzuki is 6 years/$60 million and that would be if he signs with a team that fleeces him. I don’t think 8 years/$100 million is out of the question.

          I don’t think teams are going to want to pay him $16 million on 5 years because that won’t really allow them to exploit the fact they can have him longer at a below market salary if he does well. If he sucks $16 million a year for 5 years can really hurt the team payroll. If he’s great they are not going to want him to leave via free agency when he is 31 or 32. Teams would probably rather keep him at a slightly lower salary until he’s at least 34.

          2
          Reply
        • BartoloHRball

          3 years ago

          Solid reply. I think Suzuki would want 4-5 year so he has another “bite at the apple”. He is already going to get paid (compared to his current league) and I think $12m-$14m AAV for 4-5 years will be the sweet spot. He’d be 31-32 at a position where guys can sometimes last into their mid-30s if they can hit.

          I’d love my Mets to sign him, but I”m guessing BOS (based on rumors) or somewhere on the west coast.

          Reply
        • jmi1950

          3 years ago

          If I was his agent I would want six yrs with an opt out after yr three,

          Reply
  2. bravesiowafan

    3 years ago

    Sign with the Braves thanks- Braves fan

    Reply
    • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

      3 years ago

      I thought the Braves might be a good fit after they lost Pederson, Rosario and Soler. Do you think there is any way he can fill in at center until Acuna comes back? They don’t really have a true everyday CF unless they want to plug Duvall in there again.

      2
      Reply
      • rememberthecoop

        3 years ago

        I doubt that any of us would know if he can cover CF. The scouting reports say he might be able to, given his good speed. But he’s mostly played RF due to his strong arm.

        2
        Reply
        • AlienBob

          3 years ago

          I would assume he can play center field. The question is whether he plays it at a gold glove level or is just adequate.

          Reply
        • RunDMC

          3 years ago

          He doesn’t need to play GG-level CF if his bat is 20% of what he did in Japan. I know, different game, but he’s gotten comps to Acuña. Imagine if he’s ANYWHERE near that comp, playing next to Acuña. Now, go change your pants.

          1
          Reply
        • ayrbhoy

          3 years ago

          A-Bob: you make a good point. My question to your question is how much will his defense fluctuate from his Rookie season to year 2 due to him being unfamiliar with the dimensions of each ML Ballpark. Fans of teams who go through rebuilds will tell you all rookies have to adjust to the quirky ballpark designs as well the geographical differences in the weather and the altitude from stadium to stadium. As you know only 2 ballparks in the entire ML’s have symmetrical OF dimensions: KC and TOR. Fenway Park, Oracle Park and Minute Maid Park can take quite a few games to get used to their asymmetric dimensions.

          Mariners fans like myself saw prospect Jarred Kelenic struggle in his rookie season. He made some school-boy errors with his (mis) calculations of the caroms off and the distance to, some of the CF walls. Some of his routes and reaction times to fly balls also seemed to be affected by his lack of experience playing alongside his teammates. M’s fans saw how JK’s errors impacted Mitch Haniger- the RF’er uncharacteristically dropped a couple of routine fly balls in 2021 when Kelenic was near. As a result MH’s dWAR total dropped this year compared to his last full season.

          All that being said- most of us Mariners fans would gladly like to see firsthand how SS’s defense (and offense) will change from year to year in MLB. The Org. is apparently looking for two premium bats to add to our lineup. His will do.

          1
          Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Hammer:

        It is a moot point if Braves re-sign Freeman, they will not spend the money on Suzuki. Since I believe they will re-sign Freeman, for me the conversation is mostly over.

        Reply
      • CrikesAlready

        3 years ago

        Something else… Humidity might make it feel more like home. Depending on whether he likes it or not, could factor in.

        Reply
  3. padresfan111323

    3 years ago

    I had him to the Angels is that realistic?

    1
    Reply
    • Ronk325

      3 years ago

      Probably not since they have a lot of outfielders and a right handed heavy lineup. Giants or Red Sox seem like the favorites

      2
      Reply
      • Dallas Mets

        3 years ago

        Don’t count out Steve Cohen’s money. He has the leverage and finance to blow out all the sharks out of the water. Especially in New York, with the big Asian community outside the park, would be a win win for the Metropolitan’s.

        1
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          Sure. He has financial flexibility, but still limited by roster spots. Mets have pitching needs. Their outfield is set.

          1
          Reply
        • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

          3 years ago

          Between Nimmo, Cahna, Marte and all the other outfield capable teams I don’t think there is any way the Mets even consider Suzuki. I know they might have a dh spot to work with but even then they would be better off going after Castellanos, Schwarber or Cruz. There just isn’t any room for Suzuki in the Mets outfield and I doubt Suzuki would choose to go to a team that would end end up really limiting his playing time due to who’s already on the roster. With guys like Cano and McNeil also on the roster the Mets really don’t even need to sign another dh. Anymore money the Mets spend will either be on pitching or maybe catching. Definitely not the outfield.

          1
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          I’d also include Smith in the Mets very crowded OF mix.

          Reply
      • FullMontilla

        3 years ago

        He could become the ‘Seiya-Hey kid’ with the Giants

        3
        Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        To me, the Phillies are the team that needs Suzuki the most. By far. While he is not enough to get them to finish ahead or the Braves or the Mets, he is absolutely needed if the Phillies want even a chance at a wild card spot, even with expanded playoffs. Right now, they are behind even the Marlins without a couple position player acquisitions. And it sounds like while Suzuki is not a guy to be an everyday center-fielder, he could slide over there if Phillies had a guy like Kiermaier (presently with the Rays, but likely available via trade) getting a day off.

        Reply
    • Manfred’s playing with the balls

      3 years ago

      Outfield is the position they need the least.
      I’m not saying he won’t sign with the Angels but it would be a waste of resources on a team that needs pitching badly.

      Reply
      • User 4245925809

        3 years ago

        Boston could sure use a proven bat in the OF since swapping away Hunter Renfroe for the non hitting JBJ and 2 prospects. Wish was a way to give away JBJ to Suzuki’s NPB team like the Brewers did him to Boston for salary relief.

        Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      No. The starting LAA outfield should be Adell-Trout-Upton, with Marsh in AAA. They really need a lefty #4. Plus they need pitching and a SS.

      1
      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Agree. But by mid-season Angels may want to bring up Marsh if he is a measurable upgrade on Upton. Because I do not see how they would find a taker for Upton in a trade.

        Reply
      • smuzqwpdmx

        3 years ago

        But it would be just like the Angels to splurge on what they don’t need while ignoring their needs. So your points make it more likely the Angels will sign him.

        1
        Reply
  4. Pete'sView

    3 years ago

    You know, the problem will be that he’s really a RF and has played almost no CF in his career. In SF for instance, that would probably mean moving Yaz to CF (where he’s good, but not great—Yaz is after all, a Gold Glove RF).

    For some teams, it may not matter. But there’s no doubt he’ll have a lot of suitors.

    1
    Reply
    • claude raymond

      3 years ago

      Pete, don’t you think the Giants are gonna be covering CF with a combo of Wade, Dugger, and Slater. They’re all very good centerfielders. So Suzuki and Yaz could cover the corners. Plus Ramos is on deck. IMO, putting Suzuki in CF or RF at Oracle, out of the gate, would be tough for him. What do you think? BTW, as an extra thought, McCutcheon has good on base stats and I think he could be had cheap, especially if the window is short from a long lockout. Add that he’s a great teammate. I know most will scoff but I say why not. Anyway Pete, I’d like your thoughts on these points.

      1
      Reply
      • Pete'sView

        3 years ago

        Claude Raymond – I’ve always loved Cutch, even in his brief stint with SF he was a plus. But I think the Giants would prefer to stick with Slater (who Kapler once stated “should be an everyday player.”) So far, though Slater has not shown the consistency to start everyday. Cutch can’t play CF anymore.

        Wade is an absolute joy to watch, but he’s not really a CF, and Duggar being left handed does not solve the need for an everyday right handed bat/CF.

        In the end, I think the Giants would prefer an outfield of Wade/Yaz/Suzuki, though I wouldn’t discount them forgoing the defense by signing Castellanos (and then playing him in LF). Oracle’s RF would be too tough for the defensively challeged Castellanos.

        Either way, the Giants must add an everyday RH bat and another #1 or #2 stater, preferably right handed, and that will not be an easy get.

        1
        Reply
        • claude raymond

          3 years ago

          Good post. You’re right about McCutchens D in center. And right about Wade’s D in CF. But we just don’t know if Suzuki is any better in center. I’m kinda predicting Slater will be much better. We’ll see. I will disagree though on the pitching. I believe they’ll get a LEFTY starter. They’re familiar with Tyler Anderson and Smyly, they’ve seen plenty of Brett Anderson and I’d like to see FZ get Duffy even though he’s rehabbing. FZ likes picking up the rehab. guys. Duffy is pretty good unless his injury affects him long term. Anyway, the pitchers I listed are all LH. I’ve always felt that you need 2 or more lefties in a rotation.

          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          claude raymond – Gotta disagree with you about the starters you mentioned. Not only are they left-handed, but only Duffy is really a serviceable starter, though certainly not a #1 or #2—and boy does he have injury flags, The others you mentioned are—in my book—clunkers. Sorry.

          What’s more, Duffy hasn’t pitched more than 100 innings since 2019 and that was only 130 innings. Giants need more innings.

          If they can’t (or don’t want to spend) on Rondon, and they can’t trade for one of the Oakland, Miami or Cleveland starters . . . or the Reds Castillo, then I think SF tries stretching out Kervin Castro and Sammy Long for the 5th spot. I don’t count on Beede at all, healthy or otherwise.

          1
          Reply
        • claude raymond

          3 years ago

          I’d love to get Rodon. I’m just basing my list on the typical types who I believe Zaidi might sign. Trades are a different discussion. I like the trade candidates you mentioned but don’t be surprised if anyone of the lefties I listed gets signed by FZ

          Reply
  5. Dorothy_Mantooth

    3 years ago

    This makes all the sense in the world given the vast difference in salaries between the NPB and MLB. He was the 10th highest player in the NPB at $2.9M USD. He’s looking at an $11M+ per year salary in MLB and with all of the interest in him, he could end up signing for $13M/yr., a huge difference for him and his family. No need to go back to Japan for another season; that could only hurt him after his monster 2021 performance.

    I still believe the Red Sox is the team he is focused on. There was a story that he only followed one team on Instragram (Boston) but once that went public, his agent had him stop following them for obvious reasons. After trading Renfroe, Boston desperately needs a RHH outfielder who can play RF. Suzuki lines up perfectly for them.

    4
    Reply
    • JeffreyChungus

      3 years ago

      Plus that interview he did with Koji Uehara was pretty revealing. Seems to be an open secret in NPB circles that he wants to go to Boston

      2
      Reply
    • JoeBrady

      3 years ago

      I agree Dorothy. In fact, I’d wager (small) that the RS and Suzuki already have the framework of a deal in place.

      3
      Reply
      • CalcetinesBlancos

        3 years ago

        Maybe we can trick him into signing with the White Sox.

        Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Tooth:

      I used to think Suzuki would be a Red Sox, too. But I expect the Red Sox to extend Bogaerts and they already extended Devers, so I am not sure Suzuki is in the budget.

      And the Phillies need Suzuki even more. Those are still the top most likely teams to get Suzuki in my book, with the Phillies needing to offer more to get him.

      Reply
  6. VonPurpleHayes

    3 years ago

    Good. I really want to see this guy in the majors, preferably with my team, but I’ll take anywhere.

    Reply
  7. D*ckin the dog

    3 years ago

    Would be sweet if the Angels signed him to play shortstop for them!

    Reply
  8. Best Screenname Ever

    3 years ago

    The interesting thing to me about the article is that he is probably getting agent advice that the collective agreement will be settled shortly. That means that the MLBPA’s posturing for the Twitter mob would come to an end soon, and they will be prepared to sign a collective agreement with modest and reasonable improvements.

    Of course then the agents who will be actually be happy to see a resolution will none the less knife the MLBPA in the back for not holding out forever over the laundry list of Twitter proposals.

    Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      3 years ago

      I think that’s more of his hope than inside knowledge. I doubt the MLBPA would admit to anyone, agent or otherwise, that they’re just posturing and about to cave in.

      Reply
    • gbs42

      3 years ago

      What qualifies as “reasonable improvements” is quite subjective. “Modest” ones would seem to keep in place most of the gains owners have gotten in the last 2-3 CBAs. I’m not sure that would be “reasonable” to the players.

      Reply
      • CalcetinesBlancos

        3 years ago

        If the players are trying to correct all the “wrongs” in the next CBA that they believe they made in multiple past CBA’s, I wouldn’t expect baseball to resume anytime soon.

        Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Actually, MLB could resume in June and Suzuki will still get more money in MLB. Plus the couple month delay may push us partly past this Omicron variant.

      1
      Reply
  9. mrnotsoniceguy

    3 years ago

    Giants

    1
    Reply
  10. Miles1002

    3 years ago

    My guess is that the Giants add him. For one, they need OF help and with the right-handed bat of Bosey now gone. I think this could help balance out that line-up. Not that he, or anyone for that matter could possibly replace a Bosey, but I do think he helps.

    Granted, as a Dodgers fan, I would prefer he sign with Boston, or really, any team that isn’t the Padres or the Giants.

    Looking forward to watching this guy hit at the MLB level. Should be fun.

    1
    Reply
    • claude raymond

      3 years ago

      Biles, Bodgers bans ban’t bpell.

      1
      Reply
      • Miles1002

        3 years ago

        Clearly, even my keyboard doesn’t like the Giants. Hands keep twitching every time I type out a Giants player. Sorry about that.

        Reply
        • scottn59c

          3 years ago

          “Buster Bosey” sounds like the big, mean bully that is three or four years older than everyone else after getting left back multiple times.

          1
          Reply
        • claude raymond

          3 years ago

          Funny. Btw, who gets Rikshaw, I mean Kershank, I mean Kershaw? I guess I struggle as well. Seriously though, your thoughts, Miles, on Kershaw

          Reply
  11. Old York

    3 years ago

    Well, if this season gets going, he’s signing with Boston.

    2
    Reply
  12. madmanTX

    3 years ago

    Rangers

    2
    Reply
  13. Joe S

    3 years ago

    While he will likely end up in SF, the Phillies should pay whatever it takes to get him

    2
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      I agree with the second part. SF doesn’t seem likely to splurge.

      1
      Reply
    • Pete'sView

      3 years ago

      I think the Phillies will splurge on Correa.

      Reply
      • AlienBob

        3 years ago

        Good. Buy some extra garbage cans.

        2
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          The majority of that cheating team has been dispersed throughout the majors. Correa isn’t exactly an easy guy to root for, but his talent cannot be denied.

          Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        I think the Phillies would do well with Suzuki and Story. But Suzuki could be a Red Sox and Story a Yankee. If Phillies go with Correa, who plays outfield? Not Halsey and especially not Moniak.

        Could the Phillies get BOTH Kiermaier and Margot from the Rays? LOL

        Reply
  14. bbatardo

    3 years ago

    He had 10 days to establish his market. He probably knows what will be waiting for him already.

    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Good point. Suzuki probably had some tangible offers before the lockout. Even if they were low ball, three years at $30 million he knows the floor at can expect much, much more. Maybe even 5-6 years at 15-16 million per year.

      Reply
  15. ohyeadam

    3 years ago

    I like this guys positive vibes already. Come play for the Twins!!

    Reply
  16. hyraxwithaflamethrower

    3 years ago

    My guess is the Giants, maybe Red Sox. My (admittedly longshot) hope is the White Sox, so they can put Eloy at DH, Sheets or Vaughn in LF, then after this year, put the other one at 1B (provided Abreu retires to become a coach). Defense improves, lineup makes more sense. Still RH-heavy, but splits matter more than simple handedness. Doesn’t seem like he’ll break the bank, either.

    I don’t know his ceiling, but he seems like a high-floor guy, at least. Defense will transfer over, as will the patient approach. Contact and power might suffer while he gets acclimated, but if those come around, he could be a star.

    3
    Reply
  17. Jarl

    3 years ago

    Someone should tell him the best nachos come from Texas

    Reply
  18. giant4life

    3 years ago

    Can’t wait to see him in orange and black or rip Farhan for not signing him

    Reply
    • claude raymond

      3 years ago

      You want him on the Orioles?

      2
      Reply
    • Pete'sView

      3 years ago

      gaint4life – You rip Zaidi no matter what he does. You’re a one-trick pony.

      5
      Reply
      • giant4life

        3 years ago

        There are worse things to be. I also rip the ownership for lying to us about never going through a rebuild. Does that count as a second trick?

        Reply
        • claude raymond

          3 years ago

          Rebuild. Look at the word and it’s definition G4L. “tear down or destroy then build again”. They haven’t done that so they haven’t lied. They have never gone through a rebuild.

          2
          Reply
        • claude raymond

          3 years ago

          Get a dictionary and look up “lie” and look up “rebuild”.

          1
          Reply
  19. VonPurpleHayes

    3 years ago

    Suzuki and Harper in the corner outfield for Philly seems like a longshot, but that’s my hope.

    1
    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      You should be dreaming for Harper, Suzuki and Kiermaier. Suzuki can by a fill-in CF on Kiermaier’s days off. Even if it means Bohm or Gregorius is left as a (sub-standard) starter. It would take an overpay to get Suzuki from the Red Sox, but I still think it is possible.

      Phillies battle Red Sox for Suzuki and battle Yankees for Story.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 years ago

        I’d love that OF for sure.

        I’d also add that I’m not so willing to give up on Bohm who was almost rookie of the year in 2020. The guy will never be a good fielder, but he can be an elite hitter. Hopefully 2021 was just a sophomore slump. Didi I’m more willing to give up on, as he’s no spring chicken and he’s been on the decline.

        Reply
  20. rememberthecoop

    3 years ago

    I strongly believe he is going to the Red Sox, all else being relatively equal.

    2
    Reply
  21. brucenewton

    3 years ago

    Red Sox are probably the favorite. They have an open spot for him. I don’t feel the Giants would stick Yaz in CF to accommodate Suzuki. I’m unaware of Suzuki’s preferences but one’s a hitting environment, the other clearly not.

    3
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      I think BoSox as well.

      3
      Reply
      • butch779988

        3 years ago

        Koji Uehara has been pitching him on Boston.

        1
        Reply
    • Pete'sView

      3 years ago

      brucenewton – Anyone who looks at the Giants offensive stats the past two years knows that Oracle is no longer considered a death trap for hitters—right or left handed.

      2
      Reply
    • claude raymond

      3 years ago

      2 stats for you Bruce. 1) Giants 104 home HRS and Red Sox 108. 2) Red Sox 111 HRS on the road. Giants 137 on road. So, the park is not likely the selling point. Ohtani’s success on the west coast is more likely a bigger influence in his decision. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go the Angels or Mariners. So Bruce, you could be right about him going to Boston but I just don’t buy the ballpark influence.

      Reply
    • stymeedone

      3 years ago

      Definitely would appeal to Bloom as he would be relatively inexpensive.

      1
      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Agree Bloom likes him, disagree because I think his price has gone way up since start of December 2021.

        Reply
  22. coolpapabellx

    3 years ago

    It won’t happen but I’d like to see the tigers take a shot at signing him.

    Reply
    • tiredolddude

      3 years ago

      And in the “it won’t happen” vein, I’d like to see him join his buddy Tsutsugo in Pittsburgh

      1
      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 years ago

        That’d be fun and boost the Pirates ratings.

        Reply
    • stymeedone

      3 years ago

      Just don’t see a fit in Detroit. Suzuki in RF moves Grossman back to LF, and either moves Baddoo to CF, blocking Greene, or moves Baddoo to the bench. I don’t see them wanting to do either. Plus they already have two good RH OFs in Cameron and Hill, waiting in the wings

      Reply
  23. PutPeteinthehall

    3 years ago

    He’s going to San Francisco. His uniform is prepared and waiting. Red Sox were the runner up.

    1
    Reply
  24. to4

    3 years ago

    I’ll predict a contract of 4-5 yrs and $65-$78 M for Suzuki given his numbers in Japan and age of 27.

    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Over $80 million. Some risk, but he fits really well for several teams needs.

      Reply
  25. Thronson5

    3 years ago

    Wonder where he lands. Could see the Dodgers going after him, I know they might feel they need another bat after losing Saeger and no guarantee Muncy will be back to start the season, heard that injury was more serious than reported. Either way, wherever he goes, you never know with these guys but I do think he will turn out to be a good one

    Reply
  26. jmi1950

    3 years ago

    As soon as the lock out ends, I can see Henry “encouraging” Koji & Dice -K to hang with Suzuki while flashing their RS WS rings.

    2
    Reply
  27. RickEO

    3 years ago

    I already have a Suzuki Redsox Jersey

    1
    Reply
  28. LebronHatesAsians

    3 years ago

    Yanks should make a push but I’m less than confident they will. The roster is already basically constructed with corner outfielders/DH types so there’s a bit of a log jam but how often does a player of this caliber in their prime become available from Japan? Not often. Trade Voit if you can get value back….trade Andujar, Gallo, Hicks for what you can get. Get long term pieces. It’s pretty evident they are going into 2022 with a “meh” type of feel since they passed on plenty of players that filled a need so hopefully they are looking at 2023/2024 for a push.

    Come on Cash/Hal, put down your bi-focals and try to locate your balls otherwise I’m going to start thinking you’re unic’s.

    3
    Reply
  29. neurogame

    3 years ago

    I’d be interested in seeing a spreadsheet of all past Japanese players who have come over from Japan that detailed their career in blocks of 3-year averages, followed by their expected/adjusted stats in their first year in MLB, followed by their real stats at the end of their first year just to see how it all came together.

    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      That would be interesting, it is probably out there on the internet. If not, MLBTR writers?

      Reply
  30. CalcetinesBlancos

    3 years ago

    If it’s actually accurate that Hahn is not kicking the tires on this guy, I’m pretty floored. This guy is perfect for what the Sox need.

    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      If only the White Sox did not have $16 million tied up for an ineffective set-up pitcher.

      Reply
  31. StPeteStingRays

    3 years ago

    Suzuki would be a perfect piece for TB. The Rays are in need of a right handed bat with his profile.
    This isn’t a typical TB move, granted. But we have the depth to contend for the foreseeable future, so that should be attractive to a player like Suzuki. From carp to stingray….Go Rays!

    LF Suzuki
    CF Kiermaier/Phillips/Lowe/Margot
    RF Arozarena
    3B Franco
    SS Walls
    2B B.Lowe/Brujan
    1B Choi/Diaz
    C. Zunino/Mejia

    Reply
    • to4

      3 years ago

      Suzuki RF
      Lowe CF
      Arozarena LF
      Franco 3B
      Brujan SS
      Lowe 1B
      Xavier Edwards 2B
      Meadows DH
      Zunino C

      I’m not specific order!

      Reply
  32. OlProfessor

    3 years ago

    Smart move by Suzuki and agent. One team not mention as a suitor is the New York Mets. If that is true, then it is a mistake. If his stats in Japan are any indication, he is exactly what they need — he puts the ball in play as he walks about as often as he strokes out. One would have to go back to the days of Ted Williams to find a comp.

    Although he is likely to sign with a west coast team, the Mets should be in play here. He has an outstanding arm (perfect for RF) and he can play 2B. The price is reasonable and it allows the Mets to use Canha as a super sub/DH.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      The Mets potentially have 6 OFs right now. I don’t understand how anyone considers them a fit.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Red Sox Promote Roman Anthony

    Craig Kimbrel Elects Free Agency

    Marlins Place Ryan Weathers On 60-Day IL With Lat Strain

    White Sox To Promote Grant Taylor

    Mariners Designate Leody Taveras For Assignment, Outright Casey Lawrence

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Braves Select Craig Kimbrel

    Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox

    White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel

    Sign Up For Trade Rumors Front Office Now And Lock In Savings!

    Pablo Lopez To Miss Multiple Months With Teres Major Strain

    MLB To Propose Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System For 2026

    Giants Designate LaMonte Wade Jr., Sign Dominic Smith

    Reds Sign Wade Miley, Place Hunter Greene On Injured List

    Padres Interested In Jarren Duran

    Royals Promote Jac Caglianone

    Mariners Promote Cole Young, Activate Bryce Miller

    2025-26 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings: May Edition

    Evan Phillips To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Recent

    Red Sox Promote Roman Anthony

    The Astros Are (Again) Not Getting Much From A Pricey First Base Signing

    Latest On Dodgers’ Rotation

    Royals Outright Thomas Hatch

    Diamondbacks Place Kendall Graveman On 15-Day IL

    Craig Kimbrel Elects Free Agency

    Guardians’ Will Brennan, Andrew Walters Undergo Season-Ending Surgeries

    Marlins Place Ryan Weathers On 60-Day IL With Lat Strain

    White Sox To Promote Grant Taylor

    Nats Notes: Nuñez, Chapparo, Williams

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

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

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • 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
    • RSS/Twitter 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 arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version