Seiya Suzuki’s Departure from the Chicago Cubs: A New Chapter for the Japanese Outfielder
Seiya Suzuki’s time with the Chicago Cubs appears to be coming to an end as trade rumors swirl around the Japanese outfielder’s future. After signing a five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2022 season, Suzuki has faced a mix of ups and downs. While the 2025 season has started slowly for him, the Cubs may be looking to part ways with the 29-year-old outfielder, particularly in light of their evolving roster needs. With the Cubs focusing on competing for a playoff spot, the trade market seems to be a logical avenue for improvement, and Suzuki could be a prime candidate to be moved.
Trade talks have gained traction, with some speculating a potential deal between the Cubs and the Detroit Tigers. According to a trade proposal from Athlon Sports, the Cubs could send Suzuki to Detroit in exchange for reliever Will Vest. This one-for-one trade could address needs for both teams. The Tigers, coming off a disappointing series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, have struggled to find a reliable right-handed power bat in their lineup. Suzuki, with a proven track record of power hitting, would slot in nicely between Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, providing the Tigers with a much-needed offensive boost.
While Suzuki has started the 2025 season slowly, his recent history in MLB shows that he can be a consistent offensive threat. Over the past two seasons, Suzuki has topped 20 home runs and 20 doubles in each campaign, showcasing his ability to hit for power and extra bases. His presence would help the Tigers in their bid to strengthen their batting order, particularly on the right side, where they currently lack a significant power hitter. Although Suzuki’s early season performance hasn’t yet reflected his potential, his previous seasons suggest he could quickly turn things around, making him a valuable asset for Detroit’s future.
On the Cubs’ side, the potential acquisition of Will Vest would help shore up their bullpen. Vest, a 28-year-old reliever, has been a standout for the Tigers, posting a 2.82 ERA over 70 1/3 innings in 2024. His performance in high-leverage situations and his ability to handle a heavy workload make him an attractive option for the Cubs as they look to strengthen their bullpen. With the Cubs aiming to compete for the National League Central title, Vest could serve as a valuable addition to their relief corps, even potentially stepping into a closer role if needed.
Despite the potential benefits of trading Suzuki, Detroit might hesitate to part with a reliever of Vest’s caliber. His consistent performance and heavy workload last season make him an important piece of the Tigers’ bullpen. However, the prospect of adding a proven bat like Suzuki could be enough for the Tigers to consider parting with Vest. The Cubs, with their playoff aspirations, would likely value Vest’s ability to provide stability in the bullpen, especially as they look to tighten up their pitching staff.
As the season progresses and trade talks heat up, Seiya Suzuki’s future in Chicago seems uncertain. The Cubs are committed to contending in 2025, and the addition of outfielder Kyle Tucker earlier in the offseason could make Suzuki more expendable. If the trade goes through, Suzuki would be leaving a Cubs team that has invested heavily in him but is now looking to make moves to enhance its chances for success. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on this potential trade, as it could signal a significant shift in both the Cubs’ and Tigers’ futures.
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