3 Cubs players most likely to have breakout seasons in 2022

3 Cubs poised for breakout performances in 2022: #1 – Seiya Suzuki

He may not be Carlos Correa, but you can bet that he’ll garner plenty of attention regardless. I’m talking, of course, about new Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, the team’s biggest position player addition from this offseason.

Coming over from a decorated career in Japan, Suzuki – still just 27 years old – inked a five-year deal with the Cubs. An early favorite in NL Rookie of the Year speculation, Suzuki will no doubt face the learning curve every player coming in from a foreign league battles. But, in the end, I think he’ll prevail and emerge as a major force in the middle of the order.

Last year with the Hiroshima Carp, Suzuki slashed .317/.433/.636 and set a career-high with 38 home runs. After struggling early on, he went on to slug .588 this spring down in Arizona – smacking a pair of home runs in Cactus League action.

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This is a guy who’s got an absolute hose of an arm out in right field, has legitimate 30+ homer potential and has already earned the respect of his teammates in the clubhouse. He’s got a polished approach at the dish and knows how to work a count. Maybe, just maybe, he’s the next big thing. Here’s to hoping.