The Chicago Cubs agreed to a five-year, $85-million deal with Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Suzuki's deal is pending a physical. The Cubs will also pay a posting fee in addition to the $85 million, according to Rosenthal. Additionally, Suzuki's deal includes a full no-trade clause.
OF Seiya Suzuki's deal with the Cubs is massive: five years, $85 million, as @Ken_Rosenthal reported. It's the highest number for a Japanese position player coming to Major League Baseball and the second largest behind Masahiro Tanaka's $155 million contract with the Yankees.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 16, 2022
The 27-year-old entered the offseason as a hot commodity following an impressive nine-season career in Japan. He slashed .309/.402/.541 with 189 home runs, 621 RBIs, 208 doubles, and 102 steals.
Suzuki should slot into an outfield mix in Chicago that's also expected to feature some combination of Ian Happ, Rafael Ortega, Jason Heyward, Clint Frazier, Michael Hermosillo, and Harold Ramirez.
Suzuki also has experience playing shortstop and third base.
Multiple other teams were targeting Suzuki, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays.
The Cubs have been active this offseason, signing Marcus Stroman, Andrelton Simmons, Yan Gomes, Frazier, Chris Martin, and Jesse Chavez. They also acquired Wade Miley on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
