(670 The Score) The Cubs have made a big splash in free agency just weeks before the start of the regular season.
Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki has agreed to a five-year, $70-million deal with the Cubs, David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago reported Wednesday morning. The contract was reached after Suzuki met with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and the front office Monday evening.
Suzuki, 27, has played for the Hiroshima Carp for the last nine seasons and has been one of the best hitters in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. Suzuki has hit .315 with a .985 OPS in nine NPB seasons. He hit .317 with 38 homers, 88 RBIs, nine steals and a 1.069 OPS in 134 games in 2021.
Suzuki, who hits and throws right-hander, will immediately plug in as an everyday player and big bat for the Cubs, who are coming off a disappointing 71-91 season. Suzuki is expected to play a corner outfield spot. He represents the Cubs’ second big addition of the offseason in free agency, as they added right-hander Marcus Stroman on a three-year deal just before the lockout began in early December.
The Red Sox were reportedly one of the teams that were interested in signing Suzuki. They will now have to look elsewhere for a right fielder.