A proposed trade idea has been floated out there which would send Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs to the Boston Red Sox for starting pitcher Kutter Crawford.
The Chicago Cubs have been a part of trade rumors and trade proposals all off season long. Some have come true and some have just been that rumors. In a recent trade proposal from FanSided Cody Williams the Chicago Cubs outfield Seiya Suzuki to the Boston Red Sox for starting pitcher Kutter Crawford.
Kutter Crawford
Kutter Crawford who will enter his fifth year in Major League Baseball for the 2025 season has proven to be a decent pitcher in his big league career so far. Used as swing man for most of his career the Boston Red Sox made Crawford a full time starter in 2024. In his first full season being used as a full time starter Kutter Crawford started 33 games, leading the league, gathering a record of 9-16 (leading the league in losses), with 175 strikeouts, a 1.222 WHIP, in 183.2 innings of work.
With the Cubs needing a right-handed starting pitcher adding someone like Kutter Crawford would help the Chicago Cubs starting rotation. However, Kutter Crawford is a four starter and if he’s on a number three at best and the Chicago Cubs need an Ace and the price that Williams says that the Cubs would need to give up in Seiya Suzuki is an overpay in my estimation.
Seiya Suzuki is more valuable than a fourth starter
Seiya Suzuki is a very valuable player for this Cubs team especially with the recent trading away of outfielder Cody Bellinger. The Cubs outfield in 2025 will consist of Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki will get some time there, but mostly be the teams designated hitter. Suzuki through his agent has stated that he doesn’t want to just be a designated hitter, but play the field more than just DH. With Kyle Tucker figuring to get the bulk of the reps in right field that doesn’t figure to happen for Seiya.
Seiya is a decent fielder who can make the routine play and has a really good arm to make runners and opposing third base coaches to think twice before trying to score, but he’s no Kyle Tucker out there who is a Gold Glove winner for right fielders.
Would the Chicago Cubs do this deal?
To put it simply no the Cubs would not pursue a deal such as this. Given that Seiya Suzuki is on the verge of having an All-Star type season and is a key cog to the Cubs offense, trading him for a middle of the rotation starter wouldn’t be smart for the roster. Suzuki provides so much value even though he’ll be primarily a designated hitter for this season.
The Chicago Cubs need Seiya Suzuki to have a big season this year if they are to make the playoffs for the first time in five years. So keeping Seiya on the roster and having him stay healthy will be key to having that happen.
If the Chicago Cubs were to trade Seiya Suzuki they should try to aim for a top of the rotation starter, rather than a number four starter. Hopefully the Cubs keep Suzuki which seems likely with hopefully no injuries occuring, but with it being a part of baseball if one did happen to one of the starting outfielders, Suzuki figures to be the first option to take the starting job.
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