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Cubs Sign Seiya Suzuki

By Tim Dierkes | March 18, 2022 at 12:10pm CDT

The Cubs continue to show that their current retooling efforts won’t at all resemble the aggressive teardown of a decade ago, announcing on Friday that they’ve signed star NPB outfielder Seiya Suzuki to a five-year contract. Suzuki, a Wasserman client, will reportedly be guaranteed a hearty $85MM on the contract.

Under the NPB/MLB posting system, that means the Cubs will also owe Suzuki’s former team, the Hiroshima Carp, a posting fee of $14.625MM. That brings the total investment in Suzuki to $99.625MM — although only Suzuki’s actual contract (more specifically, its $17MM annual value) will count against the luxury tax. Suzuki will reportedly receive a $5MM signing bonus and be paid annual salaries of $7MM, $17MM, $20MM, $18MM and $18MM on the deal, which contains a full no-trade clause.

Suzuki hit .317/.433/.639 with 38 home runs in 533 plate appearances for the Hiroshima Carp this year.  He’s been one of the best hitters in NPB dating back to 2016, with a career line of .309/.402/.541.  He’s hit at least 25 home runs in each of the last six seasons and is a five-time NPB All-Star.

According to MLBTR’s Steve Adams, “The most bullish opinions we’ve gotten peg Suzuki as an everyday Major League right fielder — a solid defensive player with a strong arm and enough power to hit in the middle of a big league lineup.”  In August, Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times spoke to a Major League scout who compared Suzuki to AJ Pollock, back when Pollock was playing for the Diamondbacks.

Though Suzuki has nine seasons under his belt, he’s still just 27 years old, which is rare for a posted player out of Japan.  Suzuki explained to Hernandez, “I think everyone feels they want to play at the highest stage if they can get the chance.”  Suzuki was only one year short of international free agency, so the Carp were motivated to be compensated for his departure.

In late November, the Carp posted Suzuki for MLB teams, beginning a 30-day window that was interrupted by the sport’s 99-day lockout.  Suzuki was left with 20 days post-lockout to negotiate a deal with an MLB team.  On top of his contract, the Cubs will owe the Carp a posting fee equal to 20% of the contract’s first $25MM, 17.5% of the next $25MM and 15% of any dollars thereafter.  Only Suzuki’s $17MM average annual value will count toward the competitive balance tax, but the Cubs are a good $78MM short of the $230MM base tax threshold including Suzuki.

Suzuki is a strong-armed prototypical right fielder and a five-time NPB Gold Glove winner.  The Cubs still have Jason Heyward under contract for another two years and $44MM, but given Heyward’s struggles at the plate, there’s a good chance Suzuki is taking over his position.  Suzuki may spend most of his five-year tenure playing alongside center fielder Brennen Davis, Baseball America’s 16th-ranked prospect.

The news of the Suzuki signing comes on the heels of Anthony Rizzo’s two-year, $32MM deal with the Yankees.  It’s a fitting contrast and representation of the Cubs’ reboot, as Suzuki is five years younger than Rizzo and the Cubs reportedly once offered Rizzo the same contract before trading him and other stalwarts in July last year.  Cubs fans will be watching many former stars in different uniforms this year, with Javy Baez having signed in Detroit, the Phillies reaching an agreement with Kyle Schwarber, and Kris Bryant signing with the Rockies.  The Cubs’ other big splash came before the lockout, the signing of starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to a three-year, $71MM deal.

Interest was widespread in Suzuki.  The Padres, Red Sox, Rangers, Giants, Mariners, Yankees, Blue Jays, Marlins, and Dodgers are among the other teams that were linked to the slugging right fielder.

Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka holds the record for a Japanese player signing in MLB, having landed a seven-year, $155MM deal with the Yankees in January 2014.  On the position player side, Suzuki eclipses the four-year, $48MM deal outfielder Kosuke Fukudome signed with the Cubs in December 2007.  The only position players to have sustained success in MLB out of Japan have been Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, and of course, pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani.

Sankei Sports first reported the agreement. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the terms and the no-trade clause, while MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand provided the annual breakdown.

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Chicago Cubs Newsstand Transactions Seiya Suzuki

Angels Designate Packy Naughton For Assignment
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Red Sox, Derek Holland Agree To Minor League Deal
View Comments (243)

Comments

  1. seamaholic 2

    11 months ago

    Nice!

    Reply
    • All Yellon

      11 months ago

      As always, we await developments.

      Reply
    • Robrock30

      11 months ago

      Great value signing the one I coveted. LOL

      Reply
      • seamaholic 2

        11 months ago

        Actually I take back my “nice.” That’s a massive overpay, now that the details are in. No wonder he picked them. $17m a year for such a huge question mark is pretty risky.

        Reply
        • mils100

          11 months ago

          Its a large market team. Its not like a couple of million either way matters. This isnt like buying a car where we need to get the best deal. The Cubs have tons of money. The terms almost dont matter.

        • CJML

          11 months ago

          An extra 15 million spread out over 5 years makes it go from a great signing to a massive overpay?

        • Amy5456

          11 months ago

          cbcbcgb

        • Fink Ployd

          11 months ago

          We can’t believe it either, comrade.

        • Fink Ployd

          11 months ago

          What makes Suzuki a huge question mark?

        • h1fr1ends

          11 months ago

          it’s actually 5 for $70m — the additional $15m goes to his Japanese club, not to him.

        • admiral hopppaaa

          11 months ago

          Suzuki’s contract is worth $85MM over five years, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who also notes the inclusion of a full no-trade clause. That makes for a $14.625MM posting fee, bringing the Cubs’ total expenditure to $99.625MM.

          Reading is hard.

        • Cosmo2

          11 months ago

          Hasn’t played in the MLB yet. That’s always a question mark.

        • Anthony Princeton

          11 months ago

          What makes him a huge ? ? He is already 27 and never played in MLB. Best case scenario he is an everyday player with some power and adequate defense in RF. He could be a 4th outfielder and worse doesn’t adjust to MLB on a 5 year commitment. They have already been grossly overpaying Heyward.

  2. Ha-Seong Kim

    11 months ago

    Haha @Padres

    Reply
    • One Bite Hotdog

      11 months ago

      ^12 year old

      Reply
      • Ha-Seong Kim

        11 months ago

        No I’m a padre fan. Little comic relief, that’s all.

        Reply
      • Ha-Seong Kim

        11 months ago

        And your name is one bite hog dog lmao.

        Talk bout the pot callin the kettle black.

        Reply
      • RickEO

        11 months ago

        10

        Reply
      • rocky7

        11 months ago

        Sour Grapes Hot Dog……Dude with the Padres supposedly involved with any player who can walk and breath, what other reaction did you expect.

        Reply
    • 16

      11 months ago

      Seriously, no surprise Preller was leaking that Suzuki had agreed to sign with SD prior to him departing for his visit with the Cubbies…Sorry AJ, your past sins have caught up to you.

      Reply
      • thelegendaryharambe

        11 months ago

        Preller ain’t got no past sins

        Reply
        • TrueOutcomeFan

          11 months ago

          Not with hair like that.

        • The Natural

          11 months ago

          His eyebrows are an 80

        • Anthony Princeton

          11 months ago

          Preller doesn’t have any past sins? You mean other than his suspension and borderline sleazy activity?

      • FSF

        11 months ago

        Really though, what the hell was that? Yahoo had an article up for all of about 10 seconds saying the deal was done with the Padres (though not finalized).

        Reply
        • Brew88

          11 months ago

          I suspect the same “Scherzer” bait and switch play media psychout on the Pads fans will occur today with FF or Bryant, followed by news that Manny announces early retirement and Darvish and Musgrove will need TJS

  3. VonPurpleHayes

    11 months ago

    There’s always question marks when a player comes over from Japan, but watching Suzuki, I don’t think he’ll have a hard time in the majors. He looks legit. Cubs jumped a rebuild. Perhaps too quickly, but they look good on paper.

    Reply
    • Captain Dunsel

      11 months ago

      Exactly why he would have looked good in red pinstripes.

      Reply
    • shocktop

      11 months ago

      What a gross thing to say. Why do people feel the need to say that there are question marks with players from Japan? That is so cringy. There are question marks from ANY player from ANYWHERE when coming over to MLB.

      Reply
      • flamingbagofpoop

        11 months ago

        Is this supposed to be a joke? You answer your own question in your comment and as the post points out, only two position players have had sustained success…

        Reply
        • dobsonel

          11 months ago

          Because it’s cool to call things racist that are in fact not racist.

        • dray16

          11 months ago

          which is a better percentage of players that succeed compared to someone who grew up in America

        • dray16

          11 months ago

          its super cringe, I don’t get it either, by percentage Asian born players are much more successful than Americans making it in MLB.

        • chris44

          11 months ago

          This seems like a really hard thing to calculate… there are gazillions of American born ballplayers and very few Asian born, mostly becasue they do not see the power pitching that you find in the MLB. I do take issue that only two players have found sustained success: Ichiro, Ohtani and my personal fav Shin Soo Choo!

        • flamingbagofpoop

          11 months ago

          Do you mean asian players that try to come over, or just asian players in general? You might want to check how big the population of Asia is…

        • Dustyslambchops23

          11 months ago

          Man, why do we always need to take it there VPH is a solid poster and in no way said anything offside. All you’re doing is looking for an issue and watering down the definition of racism.

          Some Japanese players play in a different league, different balls, many differences. It’s perfectly fine to question transition to the MLB as a question mark, especially when it has a 70 mil price tag.

          How is this any different than a poster questioning an American born players transition from AAA to the majors as a question mark.

        • Sid Bream Speed Demon

          11 months ago

          This comment is so stupid and woke that my head almost exploded. You do realize that China is an Asian country, they have over 1 BILLION people, which is 3 times the amount of the US. That doesn’t even count the nations of Japan, Korea, Vietnam, etc. So no, there is no percentage that shows Asian born players being more successful than Americans making it in MLB. Get a grip with the virtue-signaling nonsense.

        • dray16

          11 months ago

          the hell there isn’t, how many asian born players are in the MLB minor leagues or MLB rosters compared american born??? why do people always say it’s risky to sign and asian player when in fact it’s less risky than signing an american player.

        • dray16

          11 months ago

          this comment is ridiculously stupid, there have been 64 japanese players that have tried to play MLB baseball, how many have succeeded? how many american players have tried playing MLB and how many have succeeded? what percentage of success is better? it’s japanese born players by a wide margin.

        • Jonny5

          11 months ago

          Oh the irony. Are you really this ignorant in real life?

        • chris44

          11 months ago

          Of course this is true. The MLB is highly selective and only bothers to bring over the top 1% of Asian born players. That doesn’t mean that the MLB could bring over 10,000 Japanese ballplayers and that proportion would hold.

        • Dustyslambchops23

          11 months ago

          Drafted players can not be compared to international free agents.

          The price tag and expectations are drastically different. This has NOTHING to do with culture or nationality, it’s just realities of spending major league money for any player and the expectations on immediate contributions that come with it. Stop always looking for problems, it’s an annoying way to live

        • dray16

          11 months ago

          I agree, people just suck in general

        • shocktop

          11 months ago

          Oh, I called his comment racist did I? LOL. I think NPB is an excellent league. His success there from OBP, OPS, K/SO and defense are all outstanding. I don’t get why people point out the fact that he is from NPB as if that is an indicator of anything other than the fact that he played there. Anyone from anywhere can translate poorly to MLB. No one said it was racist. Dummy.

        • shocktop

          11 months ago

          Talk about a dopey comment. I love how these people on the right (obviously, no wait, tell me your “independent”, Lol) see me say its cringy and immediately jump to a conclusion that I am calling this guy racist. Talk about snowflakes. You all want it to be “woke” BS when it isn’t, so heads are so fragile they explode over even what you perceive to be woke. Holy crap this is hilarious.

        • rememberthecoop

          11 months ago

          I agree that VPH is solid and I have never heard anything even remotely racist from him. This is silly.

        • Sabean Wannabe

          11 months ago

          dray16….your comment is completely devoid of context. Only a very small % of players in Asian leagues even attempt to transition to MLB. And risk is not measured only in whether or not a player makes it, but the money expended for said players. The vast majority of American players in the minor leagues right now cost very little money. Its ‘risky” to sign Suzuki at $100M because he may perform at a much lower level..

          I agree with the others….you are programmed to look for offense.

        • JoeBrady

          11 months ago

          shocktop
          Oh, I called his comment racist did I?
          =========================================
          Just like everyone else in here, I think calling it cringy was a stupid thing to say.

          I really wanted Suzuki for the RS, and I think he’ll be fine. Hayes said he was a question mark. If you don’t think he is a question mark, then I seriously question your baseball judgement.

        • Jonny5

          11 months ago

          The lack of self-awareness in your comments is even more hilarious, shocktop.

        • rayreed5220

          11 months ago

          I honestly feel embarrassed for you

        • Dustyslambchops23

          11 months ago

          Talk about cringe.

        • Oscar the Grouch

          11 months ago

          And a lot of people have and will continue to get a lot of mileage out of doing just that. A full deck of Ace of Spades!

      • redsoxu571

        11 months ago

        shocktop, I would think that the generally higher prices for bringing in Japanese players merits reminder that the higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a smoother retention of production in the transition. It’s not cringy to share the reminder.

        Reply
        • shocktop

          11 months ago

          It’s cringy to point out NPB. We aren’t talking about every other foreign contract. Rusney Castillo’s got a seven-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, signed in 2014, worth $72.5 million. First baseman José Dariel Abreu signed a six-year contract worth $68 million with the Chicago White Sox in 2013. This contract is a bargain comparatively.

        • fivepoundbass

          11 months ago

          Both signings were questioned for the same reasons as the time. Abreu has been fantastic. Castillo was a bust. That’s common knowledge, and there is no need to continue to beat that dead horse.

      • chris44

        11 months ago

        because the pitching in the NPB isn’t as good.. why is that cringy? baseball fans have known this for years.

        Reply
      • Cmurphy

        11 months ago

        Why? It’s the same thought process when players go from one league to the other, especially since the AL is a more power hitting league. Though that will now change with the DH in the NL.

        Reply
        • flamingbagofpoop

          11 months ago

          Yeah, or when people say you can’t expect a guy to perform in MLB like he did in A/AA/AAA, etc. Unless you’re someone that’s a fan of recreational outrage, it shouldn’t be a big deal.

      • Don Daddy

        11 months ago

        Because there are always question marks cast on players switching countries and especially ones jumping from NPB to the MLB, even established ones who’ve grown accustomed to 9 years of success at a league with a lesser level of pitching, a different baseball and different customs – the USA and Japan are vastly different places, especially Chicago. He may be a allstar, or he may struggle to hit his weight. It would be great for the game if he was a star, but it’s fair to say…that’s no sure thing.

        Reply
      • Jonny5

        11 months ago

        The only thing gross and cringy is your comment. How do people like you make it through life?

        Reply
        • shocktop

          11 months ago

          I make it through life by consuming people like you.

        • Jonny5

          11 months ago

          You make it through life being a narrow-minded bigot who lacks the maturity to recognize that we all have different opinions. Utterly pathetic.

        • chrismilwaukee

          11 months ago

          Haha. Dumb.

      • rayreed5220

        11 months ago

        I hate to reply to this because I think you might be trolling. This dude just got $85 million. The NPB is a very competitive league in Japan and one of the best in the world. Many American-born and other foreign players trying to get a shot at the majors play there too

        Reply
      • thickiedon

        11 months ago

        Questions are made concerning players coming over from foreign pro leagues. If you cringe over that, you’re just soft

        Reply
        • shocktop

          11 months ago

          I cringe when it’s pointed out specifically that its NPB. Your screen name says all I need to know about where you are soft.

        • Trech

          11 months ago

          I agree I’m just hoping that we can somehow trade JHey to make cap space to sign Shwarber to play DH

        • Pete'sView

          11 months ago

          Schwarber signed with the Philadelphia days ago and no one wants Heyward or his contract.

      • Catuli Carl

        11 months ago

        “Gross thing to say” lol what?? The NPB is not nearly as good as the MLB. There is always a question mark about players coming from a less competitive league to a more competitive league.
        You’re calling an obvious fact a “gross thing to say” lol

        Reply
    • Bud Selig Fan

      11 months ago

      It’s tough to jump a rebuild when you can spend $229MM & still make a nice profit. Add another starter or two, a bullpen arm or two and this team can contend for that #6 playoff spot.

      Reply
      • desertbull

        11 months ago

        Spoken like a true Bernie Bro

        Reply
        • gravel

          11 months ago

          This is a troll buffet.

        • shocktop

          11 months ago

          Spoken like a true Trump Tramp.

        • Cosmo2

          11 months ago

          You’re embarrassing yourself, Shocktop

    • Pete'sView

      11 months ago

      VonPurpleHayes — Agreed. I think the Cubs are moving forward very nicely. They won’t win anything this season, but assuming Suzuki is the real deal and some of their other players continue to mature, if I were a Cubs fan I’d be pretty pleased. They have a plan.

      Reply
      • HBan22

        11 months ago

        It’s cringey to say “cringey” so much. Some of you guy’s comments are absolutely effing ridiculous. All this “woke” garbage is so incredibly stupid. Thanks for a good St Patties Day giggle.

        Reply
  4. Captain Judge99

    11 months ago

    Very nice signing for the Cubbies!

    Reply
    • DonnyDownvote

      11 months ago

      And Heyward can now be a bench player.

      I’m hoping Suzuki is not Mr April like Fukudome.

      Reply
      • All Yellon

        11 months ago

        As always, we await developments.

        Reply
  5. StPeteStingRays

    11 months ago

    Wow, many were guessing he’d sign with a west coast team. I was hoping he’d come to Tampa Bay. Either way, I’m excited to see the dude play ball.

    Reply
  6. marrtho

    11 months ago

    Cubs might just finish ahead of Pittsburgh and Cincy

    Reply
  7. BraveLil'Toaster

    11 months ago

    Better than him landing w/ one of the juggernauts.

    Reply
    • solaris602

      11 months ago

      Surprised SF didn’t land him, and God knows the Padres are still interested in everyone under the sun despite their payroll situation. He’s the right player at the right time at the right price for the Cubs.

      Reply
      • greenbaygiants

        11 months ago

        As usual, FZ puts a price he’s willing to pay on free agents and will not go above it. It’s worked so far, but never overpaying is risky when trying to attract hitters to a pitcher’s park.

        Reply
  8. raltongo

    11 months ago

    didn’t see this coming. Cubs are playing kind of a weird game here–they’re adding seemingly-random pieces (Stroman) like they’re a lot closer to contention than they are. But hey, glad to see ’em trying.

    Reply
    • solaris602

      11 months ago

      Which is a LOT more than we can say for the Reds.

      Reply
  9. secretsatan

    11 months ago

    Padres are going to sign Freeman now and bum everyone out.

    Reply
    • RunDMC

      11 months ago

      The only bummed out will be Hosmer, then he’ll get a bank statement.

      Reply
    • thelegendaryharambe

      11 months ago

      Why would they sign ANOTHER first baseman?

      Reply
      • diehardcubbie

        11 months ago

        If they sign Freeman they will try and dump Hosmer’s salary by trading him with a high level prospect to a team like the Cubs who have cap space and are looking to add young prospects.

        Reply
        • Pete'sView

          11 months ago

          I dunno, Hosmer’s contract is pretty weighty and still has multiple years on it. I think he’s untradable, even if a top prospect is tossed in.

    • FSF

      11 months ago

      Wouldn’t the smarter thing be to trade for Stanton and keep Hosmer and the prospect?

      Reply
  10. LordD99

    11 months ago

    Now it’s time for all the fans of other teams who wanted Suzuki to immediately declare that Suzuki will fail or the Cubs made a bad signing.

    Reply
    • shocktop

      11 months ago

      100%. Just like when people said that Bryant, Baez, Schwarber were bums but once free agents they all drooled over their teams landing them.

      Reply
    • Old York

      11 months ago

      Suzuki will be the next Mike Trout. Top player in all history that plays in one playoff series.

      Reply
      • HidekiMatsuimalemodel

        11 months ago

        Next Mike trout please …

        Reply
    • redsoxu571

      11 months ago

      No need for that. I suspect most fans were interested in his upside and held reasonable concern that his production wouldn’t hold up going from Japan to MLB (relative to cost). In most cases, you don’t get Ichiro and you don’t get Hideki Irabu – you get Daisuke Matsuzaka, some good and some bad.

      Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      11 months ago

      I was secretly hoping the White Sox would surprise us all and sign him, but I’m still excited to see him play. As with anyone coming in, jury’s out on how well he’ll do, but considering the tools he’s purported to have, the floor seems higher with him than a lot of rookies.

      Reply
      • CalcetinesBlancos

        11 months ago

        Signing him to fill our RF hole would make perfect sense, so naturally we didn’t do it. So sick of the Sox FO.

        Reply
    • Vegasnightlife

      11 months ago

      As a Padres fan, congrats to the Cubs with the signing. The Padres offer wasn’t bad but not good enough to sign him. 5yrs/75mil

      Reply
  11. Cubsforever22

    11 months ago

    Lfg!!!

    Reply
  12. pt24601

    11 months ago

    Bloom, what are you DOING? Sox couldn’t/wouldn’t match or beat that?!? Come on.

    Better get Freeman or this is an atrocious off-season.

    Reply
    • redsoxu571

      11 months ago

      There’s nothing atrocious about having a price line on every player and holding back from crossing that like. Spending for the sake of spending has always led to the deals that have gone worst for Boston…doing another of those would be the true mistake.

      Reply
      • JoeBrady

        11 months ago

        The casual fans think that the answer to everything is more spending, especially on names they recognize.

        Reply
      • pt24601

        11 months ago

        The problem is the market can change after you place a value number on a player. Doing nothing because the market changed and your valuation was proven wrong only leaves you in the dust.

        Reply
  13. Highest IQ

    11 months ago

    Cubs gonna make the playoffs now. Huge move.

    Reply
  14. GareBear

    11 months ago

    Specifically said hitters. Ohtani is valid but still young enough that the author didn’t qualify it as “sustained”

    Reply
    • bigjonliljon

      11 months ago

      Suzuki has a different swing style than most hitters from Japan. Not so much a slap hitter. Has a longer swing more like MLB players. Still have to worry about catching up to MLB fastball velocity he’s never seen.
      Over all, he’s projected to be average or greater. Supposed to have huge power
      Good signing

      Reply
      • chris44

        11 months ago

        His swing is really strong actually. He looks like a guy who played college ball in Georgia, not a slap hitter at all.

        Reply
      • shocktop

        11 months ago

        Average fast ball in MLB is 91.7 MPH average in NPB is 90.3

        Reply
  15. spitball

    11 months ago

    Riinnnggggg! A little past 9:00 am Chaim! Time to wake up.

    Reply
  16. getrealgone2

    11 months ago

    Are the Cubs trying to compete or not?

    Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      11 months ago

      I honest-to-God don’t know. Stroman and Suzuki say yes, the fire sale last year says no. My guess is they spend the year around .500, then are aggressive in FA again next year and make a run at least the WC in ’23.

      Reply
      • fivepoundbass

        11 months ago

        Last year wasn’t a fire sale. Those guys had expiring contracts.

        Reply
        • hyraxwithaflamethrower

          11 months ago

          In my mind, a fire sale is when a team trades away a bunch of players in a short time. Their contract status has no bearing on it. If your definition is different, that’s just semantics. It looked like a teardown that would jumpstart a rebuild.

        • The Natural

          11 months ago

          The trade deadline deals were productive. Baez and Rizzo both ended up getting literally tens of million less than the Cubs offered.

        • capnfatback

          11 months ago

          Your own comment here explains why you can’t relegate your definition of “fire sale” as semantic fluff. The understanding of “fire sale” you (and five pound bass, I’d argue) seem to subscribe to includes the implication that a team trades away many of its most valuable players with an intention for a rebuild, which implies a slower process. Bass is suggesting that this wasn’t the intention; I believe that he’s saying that it was strategically trying to turn a lot of expiring contracts into something of value with the focus on reshaping the team the next year.

          On that latter point—if I haven’t put words in his mouth—I agree with him. However, I do agree with YOU that what the Cubs did last year was indeed a fire sale. I just don’t agree that a fire sale necessarily implies a rebuilding process.

          Sorry if it sounds like I’m splitting hairs or being pedantic, but semantic meaning is kind of important to my daily work, and I couldn’t help but notice how connotation and denotation were causing loggerheads here.

        • fivepoundbass

          11 months ago

          @capt That was my point exactly. The hyrax comment said that last years fire sale meant they aren’t trying to complete. Selling expiring contracts when you are out if the race does not imply that you aren’t planning to compete the following year.

          That said, I’m as curious as anyone else as to which direction they are headed in the near future

    • DonnyDownvote

      11 months ago

      They have to make an attempt and they are. They can’t do what they did in 2012. The fans are spoiled now and won’t go for it especially with Ricketts making some tone-deaf comments.

      I don’t expect them to make the postseason this year, but with Davis coming up, another trade deadline and another off-season, they could be contenders in 2023.

      Reply
      • thelegendaryharambe

        11 months ago

        Of course they can do what they did in 2012. It worked before, it will work again.

        Everyone they traded they were about to lose anyway so maybe that was never a fire sale to begin with.

        Reply
    • duhawk83

      11 months ago

      They are if they cut Jason Heyward

      Reply
  17. Timothy Salahi

    11 months ago

    70 million for in unproven mlb player is way to much

    Reply
    • rondon

      11 months ago

      So all the other teams that have been after him for months were offering way less? Doubtful.

      Reply
      • DocBB

        11 months ago

        Of course they were….that’s why he signed with the Cubs LOL

        Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      11 months ago

      If we were talking some kid from Cuba or the D.R., I’d agree, but of all the leagues in the world, the NPB is the closest in quality to MLB and he dominated there. You’re right, he’s unproven, but I don’t think it’s an overpay at all. A little bold to take that risk, but there’s a ton of potential upside. Plus, unlike most guys on rookie deals, there’s cost control; he won’t go through arbitration his last 3 years. That has its own value for planning purposes and salary cap implications.

      Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        11 months ago

        Now that the numbers have been adjusted up a bit, I do think it’s a bit too expensive. Still a good chance he makes this look like a steal, though.

        Reply
      • paindonthurt

        11 months ago

        Good take. The contract is what it is. He could bust, but the numbers are fantastic at the next highest level of baseball.

        Reply
    • DonnyDownvote

      11 months ago

      Think it of as an Jose Abreu type signing.

      Reply
  18. kgcubs

    11 months ago

    As a Cubs fan and family from Japan. I am excited to have Seiya-san come to Wrigley. He’s a hard worker like another Suzuki before him. His defense and base running are very good. Hopefully he’ll be patient with his approach as he’s learning our pitchers here. Gunbatene Seiya-san! Mahalo!

    Reply
    • StPeteStingRays

      11 months ago

      I hope he provides us all with great entertainment. Enjoy!

      Reply
    • HidekiMatsuimalemodel

      11 months ago

      I hope he’s more shohei than shogo

      Reply
    • JoeBrady

      11 months ago

      kgcubs
      As a Cubs fan and family from Japan. I am excited to have Seiya-san come to Wrigley.
      ============================
      I worked for the Japanese for a long time. I was under the impression that they never used first names (Seiya), at least among themselves.

      Reply
  19. Missing Michigan

    11 months ago

    I’m surprised how low that total dollar amount is. His numbers seem to be worth a bigger investment from someone.

    Reply
    • DocBB

      11 months ago

      Japanese hitters not named Ichiro rarely pan out….you can pretty much take .200-.300 off his OPS of 1.000

      Reply
      • DonnyDownvote

        11 months ago

        If the Cubs got an .800 OPS from Suzuki with plus defense, that would be good.

        Reply
  20. rocky7

    11 months ago

    Why do you mean…he isn’t in love with Beantown Chowda after all and not signing with the Sox?
    Thought this, according to Boston Nation fans was a done deal,…..he was in love with Beantown!
    Sorry, but this just is a good example that we, as commenters, don’t really know or understand what is really happening behind the MLB team curtain/player negotiations…..it’s just fun to debate the possibilities……

    Reply
    • redsoxu571

      11 months ago

      I never once heard anyone suggest that. Not saying that it wasn’t said by anyone, but probably a minority take and those should just be left alone.

      Reply
      • flamingbagofpoop

        11 months ago

        There were quite a few people on here a month or so ago that were talking about it.

        Reply
  21. CFS77

    11 months ago

    Zips had the Cubs at 6.8. now at 12.4% of making the play offs.

    Nice bump but it is not making a bad team passable.

    Sign Schwarber and get a legit closer and they might sniff 30%. Just saying this team is built on maybe vs is.

    Reply
  22. terry g

    11 months ago

    Nice going Cubbies.

    Reply
  23. Yankee Clipper

    11 months ago

    Wow, where did the Cubs come in?! We’ve heard very little of Midwest baseball & Suzuki – it’s been all west coast & Boston….

    That said, 5/$70 is right on par for his services so, good deal Cubbie Nation, good luck with this guy, he looks to be pretty legit.

    Reply
    • rondon

      11 months ago

      Hoyer met with him Monday night. Must’ve said what the young man wanted to hear. Well done.

      Reply
      • DonnyDownvote

        11 months ago

        They were also finalists in the Othani sweepstakes when it wasn’t expected. They must have a good pitch.

        Reply
    • sfes

      11 months ago

      Wait is his name pronounced like Michael Kay’s “SEE YA!”….? He would’ve had a field day with that one…

      Reply
  24. bamck

    11 months ago

    I’m not usually the type of person to throw my hands up when my team doesn’t sign a player I think they should have, but I have to say I think Bloom messed up here. This is a totally reasonable price to bring in a starting right-fielder. The Red Sox badly need a right handed bat and the options are dwindling. Not sure what to make of the lack of activity, but I really hope he surprises me with a significant move.

    Reply
    • vinc3nt3

      11 months ago

      A sign Bloom is going big to get Freeman??? Otherwise Bloom missed the mark again.

      Reply
      • LordD99

        11 months ago

        If they want a RH’d bat and they plan to spend, why wouldn’t they go with the more versatile Bryant?

        Reply
    • FSF

      11 months ago

      The Red Sox are like the Angels…cheap…very cheap! I realize they have had some high payrolls but look at how many contracts they’ve dumped or getting rid of players before they need to be paid.

      Reply
  25. chris44

    11 months ago

    Well at least the guy made a decision! Now some other dominos can start to fall in the outfield market, Bryant is up next I bet. Congrats Cubs fans I wanted that one, I think he will be fun to watch.

    Reply
  26. AaronAngst

    11 months ago

    So, what… two years until there are Fukudome like levels of Suzuki Cubs jerseys making their way to the landfill?

    Reply
    • StPeteStingRays

      11 months ago

      Were you one that was hoping for the demise of baseball?

      Reply
    • chris44

      11 months ago

      debbie downer here haha!

      Reply
  27. fivepoundbass

    11 months ago

    As a Cubs fan, I’m happy to see this. Does he not understand how bad the Cubs are right now? Makes we wonder what they promised him. Or maybe he just likes deep dish pizza.

    Reply
  28. paindonthurt

    11 months ago

    Cubs aren’t that far away from competing. They need a starter @ several bullpen pieces. A lefty with pop somewhere would help as well. Behind Milwaukee, that division is not great. If they are there at the deadline, they will add what they need.

    Reply
  29. AlienBob

    11 months ago

    The Mariners just got two proven MLB All Stars for less than Seiya Suzuki. Jesse Winker bats left handed, which they need and Suarez can hold down 3B until Noelvi Marte is ready. But in Cubbie land Suzuki looks like a good deal.

    Reply
    • Cmurphy

      11 months ago

      I think the M’s did well with the trade but we can’t say it was for less without knowing what the prospects they gave up end up doing.

      Reply
  30. Dutch Vander Linde

    11 months ago

    It’s disappointing to see a player from overseas sign with a non playoff team. Cubs are not winning anything in the next 5 years.

    Reply
    • Josh5890

      11 months ago

      Can you look into your crystal ball and tell me today’s winning lottery numbers?

      Reply
    • justacubsfan

      11 months ago

      “You have got to keep faith!”

      Reply
  31. DocBB

    11 months ago

    $100M for 5 years! Wow….that’s some risk for a Japanese hitter.

    Reply
  32. CubsWin108

    11 months ago

    ooh… that’s ALOT of money… no trade clause? oh god, this better work out.

    Reply
  33. Simm

    11 months ago

    100m for someone that’s never played in the mlb is a lot. Hope it works out for the cubs.

    Reply
  34. fffbbb

    11 months ago

    Correa next.

    Reply
  35. thelegendaryharambe

    11 months ago

    I THOUGHT HE WAS SIGNING WITH THE PADRES !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

    Reply
  36. justacubsfan

    11 months ago

    I am hoping he fairs better than Fukudome. The cubs are really a mixed signals team right now. Say they’re not going to splash money (pre-FA), sign two mid-range deals. I like the Stroman signing more since there’s less risk, but hopeful this guy can hit.

    Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      11 months ago

      The defense, at least, ought to translate well. That gives him a certain floor. From what I’ve read about him, my guess is he slots in somewhere between Matsui and Ichiro in overall value (more toward the former), which the Cubs should be pretty happy with.

      Reply
  37. mister guy

    11 months ago

    wondering if this means the giants pivot and take another look @ KB – I assume it depends on how hard the rox are going at him

    Reply
  38. JoeBrady

    11 months ago

    I was hoping he was Boston-bound, but we have to re-direct. Maybe throw in a couple of extra $$$ to convince Story to play 2nd. Past that, good signing for the Cubs. For all the Cub fans whining about not extending Rizzo, et al, this is one of the benefits.

    Instead of Darvish & Rizzo, for example, they now have Stroman & Suzuki and 5 prospects. Good long-term planning.

    Reply
  39. msqboxer

    11 months ago

    Cubs offered more money and a guaranty that he had a starting OF position, simple enough. I don’t quite understand this rebuild process…it’s like they follow to see if their trending and when it gets to low they make some kind of deal.

    Reply
    • paindonthurt

      11 months ago

      Why is it a rebuild? The Cubs have never stated it’s a rebuild. They have said they will spend (smartly). I don’t see a bad signing so far. The AAV for Suzuki is $17 mil over 5/yrs. The posting fee means nothing. You’d have to think he adds that much value.

      Reply
      • mister guy

        11 months ago

        it’s a rebuild because they tore down @ the DL last year

        Reply
        • paindonthurt

          11 months ago

          They traded expiring contracts and have complete payroll flexibility. What did they win last year? It’s not a rebuild. Look at the signings. Also, look at the impact players in the Farm.

        • Cubsforever22

          11 months ago

          Exactly! This is a very encouraging sign! Now get me correa and castleanos and a sp and we’re cooking with gas lol

        • JoeBrady

          11 months ago

          paindonthurt
          They traded expiring contracts and have complete payroll flexibility. What did they win last year? It’s not a rebuild.
          ==============================
          It’s not eve close to a rebuild. It barely even qualifies as a reset. They are basically trading Rizzo, Bryant, Kimbrel, and Baez for Stroman, Suzuki, Madrigal, and Crow-Armstrong. And maybe Correa,

  40. Oh Boy Here We Go

    11 months ago

    I cant wait to watch suzuki play. Glad he came over and found a home.

    For the Padres bring in Joc Pederson for 1 year club option on 2nd year. Also bring in matt duffy as a RH ss 3b 2B 1B bat who can platoon with Hosmer

    Reply
  41. raiders

    11 months ago

    Please be more Ichiro and less Fukudome

    Reply
    • raiders

      11 months ago

      I mean in terms of MLB success

      Reply
    • DocBB

      11 months ago

      ..or Akiyama

      Reply
  42. Chisox378

    11 months ago

    Suzuki’s stats in Japan are off the charts. What a good signing by the Cubs.

    Reply
    • DocBB

      11 months ago

      Take off .200-.300 from his OPS. Japanese hitters not names Ichiro seldom pan ou…

      Reply
      • Cubsforever22

        11 months ago

        Not many Japanese players have a power swing like his, he has a more power driven approach compared to the vast majority of the other contact oriented Japanese players

        Reply
        • CJML

          11 months ago

          This guys is built like a tank. He definitely isn’t a slap hitter.

        • Baseball Purist

          11 months ago

          I agree. I’ve been watching YT videos of him. He stays balanced and has legit power with a compact swing. He walked more than he struck out last year as well. I think he will transition well into an all star caliber RF.. There will likely be a learning curve, but unless the entire galaxy aligned, we aren’t winning a World Series this year anyway.

  43. HalosHeavenJJ

    11 months ago

    Nice. I’d been thinking SF this entire time.

    Reply
  44. 54scooterb

    11 months ago

    Does a Wil Myers for Jason Heyward swap make sense for either team? Adding a minor league player or 2? of course to offset Heywards contract.

    Reply
    • paindonthurt

      11 months ago

      No. The Padres want to take money off the books. That makes zero sense for them.

      Reply
    • solaris602

      11 months ago

      Cubs will have to do something with Heyward. He’s making way too much to be a 4th OF. For some reason I see CHC dealing him to the Angels and eating about half the balance on that contract.

      Reply
      • CJML

        11 months ago

        Heyward is a 20 million dollar defensive replacement. My fear is he will get way too many starts because of that awful contract.

        Reply
        • solaris602

          11 months ago

          Well, he’s getting some reps in CF this morning, so that may be the plan. Cubs would have to include a decent prospect to get someone to take him. Trading him for another bad contract isn’t the answer either.

    • Brew88

      11 months ago

      Plus Myers is a lot better than Hey

      Reply
  45. Mitchell Page

    11 months ago

    What can my A’s do to aquire Brennen Davis ?

    Reply
    • Cubsforever22

      11 months ago

      Lol that is not happening. Kid is going to be a star, expect to see him in a few months if he starts off where he left off at Iowa.

      Reply
    • DonnyDownvote

      11 months ago

      That ain’t happening.

      Reply
  46. Hello, Newman

    11 months ago

    I would be super excited if I was a cubs fan. Seiya is in his prime, this is a defining move for the direction of this team. The Simmons signing is what throws me off.

    Reply
    • Cubsforever22

      11 months ago

      Simmons is coming off the bench, maybe play some second. I still think we have a shot at Correa. And if not 4 mill isn’t too much for the best defensive ss in the game

      Reply
    • paindonthurt

      11 months ago

      Neither middle infielder they have is a plus defensive SS. It shouldn’t be surprising to add one.

      Reply
      • Hello, Newman

        11 months ago

        I could see Story for an identical contract to Baez’s. I just can’t picture Correa out of Houston.

        Reply
      • The Natural

        11 months ago

        Don’t be shocked if Simmons shows a bit of a bump hitting wise as a Cub

        Reply
  47. Sabean Wannabe

    11 months ago

    Really disappointed the Giants lost out. He was a perfect fit. They need an OF and the lineup as is skews left handed. Obviously Suzuki was a FA and had his choice, but why the Cubs over the Giants? That’s assuming the Giants were his second choice which may not be the case.

    Oh well…..back to the drawing board…..

    Reply
    • Brew88

      11 months ago

      Giants might resign Bryant?

      Reply
      • Sabean Wannabe

        11 months ago

        Maybe…..but only on the Giants’ terms and not his. I’m just not sold on Bryant. Since 2017 he has put up 10.5 WAR in just over 1800 PAs- or just about 3.5 WAR per 600 ABs/full season. Nice numbers……but do you put up 6/180M for that?

        Reply
        • The Natural

          11 months ago

          Exactly and yet so many wonder why he was traded.

        • SocraticGadfly

          11 months ago

          If you’re Colorado, you do!

  48. agrorolm

    11 months ago

    Chicago White Sucks Cubs haters qeued up..3…2..1…

    Reply
  49. the cuban solution

    11 months ago

    Cubs gonna cub.

    Reply
  50. rememberthecoop

    11 months ago

    I like the Cubs kind of sticking thier neck out here in the fact that it’s a big commitment for guy that could be good or could be a bust. As a Cubs fan, I’m excited.

    Reply
  51. hellsbells51

    11 months ago

    Should have went to the Padres. Reminds me of when we lost Kosuke Fukudome to the Cubs in 2007…so frustrating. Good luck on a rebuild Chicago team that will likely be sellers at the trade deadline.

    Reply
    • gbs42

      11 months ago

      The Cubs are reloading, not rebuilding, and inching closer to playoff contention, maybe similar odds as SD at this point. Also, it’s a five-year deal, so 2023-’26 matter, too.

      Reply
  52. RickEO

    11 months ago

    In Bloom I trust

    Reply
  53. unclemike1525

    11 months ago

    So now Heyward is a 44 million dollar PH who can’t hit? Good luck trying to move him now. So this guy really cost 143 million. 99 plus 44. Stupid Move. Really.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      11 months ago

      Heyward had 74 starts in CF as recently as 2019, and is only 32. Any chance of the Cubs switching him?

      Reply
      • unclemike1525

        11 months ago

        Well if you want a guy who can’t hit and blocks Ortega, Happ, and your best prospect for 2 years and a costs a fortune, Then Heyward is your guy I guess.

        Reply
        • JoeBrady

          11 months ago

          Thank you for your response. Happ grades out poorly in CF, but passable in LF. Ortega.is a 30 year old journeyman, with his 7th team. Are the Cubs going to be better starting Ortega in CF every day, instead of Heyward?

          And FWIW, ‘costs a fortune’ is completely irrelevant.

    • Baseball Purist

      11 months ago

      So, you would prefer to play Heyward and him hit .205… Ya, I’m glad that you aren’t on Jed Hoyer’s staff. He has proven over the past 5 years (and trending down) that he can’t hit and nobody is going to offload that contract.

      Reply
    • flamingbagofpoop

      11 months ago

      Yeah, if you just arbitrarily decide to add another player’s salary on to his, that makes it stupid…not quite as stupid as that reasoning, but close.

      Reply
  54. Fink Ployd

    11 months ago

    All I can say after reading all these comments about the dubious abilities of Japanese players is, if you can think of a more amazingly talented MLB ballplayer than Shohei Ohtani in the league last year, please tell me who it is.

    3.18 ERA
    141 ERA+
    10.8 K/9
    965 OPS
    158 OPS+
    46 HR
    26 stolen bases

    AL MVP
    30 of 30 first-place votes

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      11 months ago

      Very few people said that. Most said he was a question mark. I expect him to do well, in the range of .800-8.25 OPS, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a question mark.

      And pointing out Ohtani and the other Suzuki, doesn’t mean he is a lock to succeed.

      Reply
      • Fink Ployd

        11 months ago

        What’s the essential difference between “dubious ability” and “a question mark”?

        Merriam-Webster’s seems to think they’re in pretty much the same ballpark:

        “dubious: of doubtful promise or outcome”

        “question mark: someone (such as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt”

        Reply
        • JoeBrady

          11 months ago

          Wow, you have completely derailed.

          I did a word search for the word “dubious”. Of the 7,000+ words, you were the only one that used the word “dubious”. If you want to show me where it was used, I’ll be glad to address it.

          I’ll wait.

        • Fink Ployd

          11 months ago

          ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

        • flamingbagofpoop

          11 months ago

          Are you trying to argue that 1 japanese player being good offsets all the ones who have been bad? Guess your ability to make a coherent argument is dubious.

        • Fink Ployd

          11 months ago

          There have been 14 Japanese position players before 2020. Of those, four have been above-average players: Ichiro, Matsui, Ohtani and Aoki.

          Matsui was a World Series MVP and 2X All-Star.

          Ichiro was a ROY, AL MVP, All-Star Game MVP, 2X batting champion, 3X Silver Slugger, 10X All Star with 10 Gold Gloves, 3,089 hits and 509 stolen bases.

          Aoki had a 6-year career with a .285 BA and a 102 OPS+

          Ohtani was a ROY, AL MVP, Sporting News Major League Player of the Year, Silver Slugger and All-Star. He’s probably the greatest two-way player since Babe Ruth.

          Besides those four, four other Japanese players played in at least five MLB seasons, and one of them, So Taguchi, played in 8 seasons and lasted until he was 39.

          So out of only 14 players, the Japanese have won two MVP Awards.

          There have been 5,219 MLB players with at least 400 plate appearances since 1911, the year of the first MVP awards, and a total of 204 MVP awards issued, with 32 multiple winners.

          Therefore, the ratio of MVP Awards won by Japanese players to the total number of Japanese players is far higher than the ratio of MVP Awards won by non-Japanese players to the total number of non-Japanese players.

          And the ratio of Japanese players with above-average careers to the total number of Japanese players is far higher than the ratio of non-Japanese players with above-average careers to the total number of non-Japanese players.

          How’s that for a coherent argument, poopbag?

      • sfes

        11 months ago

        8.25 OPS now THAT’D be one hell of a season

        Reply
  55. DarkSide830

    11 months ago

    Eddy Alvarez sighting in the moblie header!

    Reply
  56. foppert

    11 months ago

    Bugger.
    Well his first hit was smashing contract predictions out of the ballpark ! Competition was obviously fierce. Might have benefited from the fact he hasn’t got defensive liabilities. Good luck to him.

    Reply
  57. Mikel Grady

    11 months ago

    Jed Hoyer the G.O.A.T.

    Reply
  58. Ƭ̵̬̊ Player Formly Known As MousecopƬ̵̬̊

    11 months ago

    So what OF spot does he play? There’s gonna be an odd man out. Love this signing.

    Reply
    • Baseball Purist

      11 months ago

      I read that RF is his best position (3 gold gloves), but also has played center.. Heyward is the odd man out, but I’m sure he will get plenty of games in CF… Especially if Ortega doesn’t pan out.

      Reply
  59. bobsugar84

    11 months ago

    Didn’t Shogo have similar numbers? So much buzz around him signing two years ago and then he wasn’t good. Not saying the same will happen, but they’re around the same size with similar numbers.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      11 months ago

      Not those types of numbers. Suzuki has an OPS > 1.000 the past several years. Shogo was in the range of maybe .900. Taking off 200 points might be accurate. And Shogo was 32 when he cam here. Suzuki is 27.

      Reply
  60. fredziffel78

    11 months ago

    And Ricketts wants to bid on Chelsea FC?!?!

    Reply
    • junkyard

      11 months ago

      Maybe Pulisic can play SS

      Reply
  61. madmanTX

    11 months ago

    But the Padres signed him days ago!!?? (Eyeroll)

    Reply
  62. Pete'sView

    11 months ago

    As a Giants fan, I’m majorly disappointed. Congrats to the Cubs, though that’s quiet a hefty contract with a no-trade clause.

    Reply
    • Baseball Purist

      11 months ago

      Probably made a huge chunk of that back in jersey sales. Everyone needs to replace their Bryant, Baez, Rizzo jerseys. lol

      Reply
      • paindonthurt

        11 months ago

        This isn’t far off. Marketing revenue alone will partially offset the contract.

        Reply
  63. 5toolMVP

    11 months ago

    Calling it now… Suzuki will have a 4HR game in 2022. Should be an electric season for this guy!

    Reply
  64. stevep-4

    11 months ago

    Similar to the deal the Cubs gave in 2008 to a guy we loved to call “Fukyudoome”…but honestly he was a perfect fit for the Sox, not sure why they did not add him during their window; the Cubs window doesn’t even open for at least 2 more years at best.

    Reply
  65. Ignorant Son-of-a-b

    11 months ago

    Only 3 offensive players from Japan: Ichiro, Otani, Matsui have had prolonged, sustained MLB success. That would fill me with trepidation. Yet I hope Suzuki will be #4…because I love baseball.

    Reply
    • Cmurphy

      11 months ago

      I’d also add Tanaka into that. He had a decent 7 years with the Yankees.

      Reply
      • flamingbagofpoop

        11 months ago

        On offense?

        Reply
    • Fink Ployd

      11 months ago

      As far as longevity goes, most Japanese players came to MLB later than most prospects make it to the majors. Several managed to play for five or more years. The best example you missed was Nori Aoki: 6 years, 102 OPS+

      Reply
  66. gugui

    11 months ago

    Hiroshima is a small ballpark and all the ballpark on his division are small
    Let see how that power translate into USA stadium.

    Reply

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