Seiya Suzuki鈴木誠也
Hiroshima's cleanup hitter at 18 became the Cubs' everyday right fielder. Now the market decides what is next.
Seiya Suzuki moved from the Hiroshima Carp to the Chicago Cubs in 2022. His five-year contract ends this season, and Japanese outlets are following every report on where he goes next.
Profile
| Team | Chicago Cubs (2026 season; headed for free agency, future undecided) |
|---|---|
| Position | Right fielder |
| Number | 27 |
| Born | Aug. 18, 1994 (age 32) |
| Hometown | Tokyo |
| Throws and bats | Throws right, bats right |
Profile details checked Nov. 4, 2026 against MLB.com and major news outlets.
Season stats
2026 (SPREAD (Japan))
Stats refresh each morning from MLB data.
Career timeline
- 2013
Drafted in the second round by Hiroshima. Becomes the cleanup hitter right after high school.
- 2016 to 2018
Helps Hiroshima win three straight Central League titles.
- 2022
In March, signs with the Cubs for five years and $85 million, then the largest contract for a Japanese position player entering MLB.
- 2026
Final year of the contract: 143 games, .270, 26 home runs, 86 RBIs and .841 OPS, according to SPREAD. Expected to become a free agent.
How big was the contract?
In March 2022, Suzuki signed with the Cubs for five years and $85 million, about $17 million a year. At the time it was the largest deal ever for a Japanese position player coming to MLB.
What does free agency mean here?
A free agent can sign with any team. Suzuki's five-year contract ends after this season, so whether he stays in Chicago or moves is open.
Teams can also make a one-year "qualifying offer" to their departing players. This year it is set at $23.15 million, according to the AP, as reported by Kyodo News.
Latest from Japan
Japan's press is bracing for Seiya Suzuki to leave the Cubs
Three Japanese reports in three weeks point the same way: Chicago wants pitching, and Suzuki's five-year contract is up.
Frequently asked questions
- What team and number does Suzuki wear?
- He played for the Chicago Cubs in 2026 and wears number 27. His contract is up, so next season's team is undecided.
- How much was his Cubs contract worth?
- Five years and $85 million, signed in March 2022.
- What did he do in Japan?
- Hiroshima drafted him in 2013 and he became the cleanup hitter right out of high school. He helped the team win the Central League three straight times from 2016.