Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki is joining Japan in this year’s World Baseball Classic after missing out in 2023.
The Chicago Cubs will have another player added to this year’s World Baseball Classic.
On Sunday, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki announced he will play in this year’s classic after missing in 2023 due to an oblique injury. He spoke with reporters on Sunday about being ready for this year’s Classic.
“I feel the regret of not being able to participate last time, so this year, I’ll work hard to build up my body properly so I can compete,” Suzuki said.
Suzuki is coming off one of his best seasons of his career so far with the Cubs. In 151 games in 2025 he posted a .245/.326/.478 slash line with 32 home runs, 103 RBI, 31 doubles, and an .804 OPS. He also placed in the top ninetieth percentile in barrel percentage, LA Sweet-spot percentage, and chase percentage.
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The Cubs outfielder told reporters how honored he was to suit up for Japan this year, after missing out three years ago.
“I feel honored to be able to carry Japan on our shoulders and fight together with everyone,” Suzuki said. “I’ll give it my all for the team and for Japan.”
Suzuki joins a long list of Cubs players that have announced their participation in this year’s WBC including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Palencia, Jameson Taillon, and Miguel Amaya.
The World Baseball Classic begins on March 5, 2026 with Japan playing their opening round games at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.