MLB analyst reveals ‘limitations’ in Cubs’ $85 million outfielder’s free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There are several months before Major League free agency, but it’s never too early to take a look at this winter’s available players.
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The Chicago Cubs will have several decisions to make, and one of their top sluggers will become a free agent.
Outfielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki began the season on the 10-day injured list for the Cubs after suffering a strain in his knee during the World Baseball Classic with Japan. Recent reports indicate he could return to the lineup as early as this week.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter knows this season is important for Suzuki, who signed a five-year contract with Chicago after achieving superstar status in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.
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“Suzuki set career-high marks in home runs (32) and RBI (103) last year in the fourth season of a five-year, $85 million contract,” Reuter wrote Wednesday. However, there’s one thing holding Suzuki back, and it may hurt his pocket.
“He has been a steady run producer since making the jump stateside, but defensive limitations could put a ceiling on his market,” Reuter added. “Still, he’s one of the few legitimate 30-homer sluggers in the class,”
Suzuki could find a new home if Chicago’s front office is not prepared to offer both him and fan favorite Ian Happ contracts.
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