MESA, Ariz. (670 There Score) – There was a noticeable excitement level at Cubs camp Wednesday after news broke in the morning that the team has added Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki on a five-year deal worth a reported $85 million.
Suzuki, 27, has played for the Hiroshima Carp for the last nine seasons and been one of the best players in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. He hit .317 with 38 homers, 88 RBIs, nine steals and a 1.069 OPS in 134 games in 2021, and he also plays strong defense.
"The rumors are exciting," Cubs manager David Ross said, not going too in depth because the signing hadn't been officially announced. "It is all very good to see and hear. We will have to wait until things are official, but the player has a unique skill set. He certainly will have value to Major League Baseball. The fact is there were a lot of teams after him while watching the top of the rumor mill. It's very exciting."
The Cubs were busy in free agency Wednesday, also adding reliever David Robertson and left-hander Steven Brault in lower-profile moves. As for Suzuki's addition, that represented a lot in the big picture to Ross – notably a commitment to winning.
"What I know about this (signing) is the direction from the front office that we are going to try and accrue as much talent as we can," Ross said. "Whether it's at the big league level or minor league level, we are going to try and get as much talent as we possibly can. That is what winning organizations do.
"Adding talent is always so important. Adding depth is such a luxury because it allows a manager to match up. That is a luxury that most teams really don't have. I think the goal is to get more good players in camp and the better off we all will be for sure."
Suzuki's addition will cause a ripple effect in the lineup. Veteran Jason Heyward has been the Cubs' primary right fielder since signing with the team in 2016, but his role is likely to be significantly reduced. Suzuki projects to play a corner outfield spot.
"I already told the outfielders in camp that flexibility by them will be an important, and you know how that has been important to me," Ross said. "When it comes to Jason Heyward, the thing he wants to do most is win. He will do anything possible for the team to achieve that goal. I have never been around somebody more pro than he is. As far as that goes, I don't want to put the cart before the horse. Having (depth) is a good problem to have."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
