The Chicago Cubs lineup is shaping out to be one of the better ones in all of Major League Baseball. The recent acquisition of a superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker makes that so, with Tucker looking to be a force in the heart of the Cubs offense this season.
Tucker will hopefully propel the Cubs to their first postseason appearance after missing the playoffs for the past five seasons.
Another one of the Cubs star outfielders Seiya Suzuki will also look to have a productive season in his new role with the team.
Suzuki in his new role with the Chicago Cubs
Since the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, Suzuki’s time in the outfield was going to be limited. With that being the case Suzuki was going to step into the Cubs designated hitter role on more of a full-time basis, which manager Craig Counsell shared with fans during Cubs Con.
"Seiya is going to DH a lot. That's what's going to happen."
Craig Counsell on Seiya Suzuki in 2025. pic.twitter.com/1Vmlmuw68S
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) January 18, 2025
An offensive force since becoming a Cub
Since the Cubs signed Suzuki to a five-year $85 million contract back in March of 2022 he has been everything the Cubs could have asked for. In Suzuki’s short three-year career with the Cubs, playing in 381 games with a career slash line of .278/.354/.470 for an OPS and OPS+ of .824 and 128.
Last season proved to be no exception with Suzuki playing in 132 games where he had 27 doubles, 6 triples, 21 HRs, 73 RBI for a slash line of .283/.366/.482 for an OPS and OPS+ of .848 and 138. Going further into Suzuki’s numbers it’s hard to believe he wasn’t named an All-Star last season when looking at his Baseball Savant page.
Ranking in the 93rd percentile for his batting run value and the 91st percentile for hard-hit percentage at 49.2%. Suzuki also ranked in the 94th percentile for chase percentage at 20.7%.
Suzuki taking the next step to becoming an All-Star
With Seiya being on board for his new role and already being sound offensively, he looks ready to have an All-Star season for the Cubs this year. Being pegged as the number three hitter in the Cubs order behind Kyle Tucker according to FanGraphs, Suzuki will have a lot of opportunities to see pitches to hit this season.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell will wear a new number in 2025
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