The Chicago Cubs is said to have landed the biggest international star on the free agency market this year.
Suzuki has scored 38 home runs, 88 RBIs, and just one less walk than strikes (88 and 89 respectively) in the 2021 season for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Primarily a midfielder, Suzuki is a four-time NPB All-Star, five-time NPB Best Nine Award winner and also a three-time Mitsui Gold Glove Award winner.
The 27-year-old throws right-handed and has won 182 home runs, 562 RBIs, 937 hits and a .315/.414/.570 slash in 902 games in NPB . nine seasons. Suzuki helped the Japanese team win a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
After the end of the 2021 NPB season, Suzuki was posted by Hiroshima at the end of November and was available to all 30 MLB teams, opening a 30-day contract negotiation period. However, that 30-day period was halted due to the nearly 100-day lockdown.
The Cubs have had a busy season, like they hired general manager Carter Hawkins in October and extends coach David Ross’ contract through the 2024 season last week. The group has also been reported as “among the favorites” to sign two-time All-Star player Carlos Correa.
