Cubs Rumors: Blue Jays already circling Seiya Suzuki reveals an uphill climb for Chicago

While the Chicago Cubs were focused on their playoff run, non-playoff teams have been mapping out their offseason. Things could be accelerated upon the conclusion of the World Series, considering there's a belief teams want to get some of their heavy lifting done before there's a potential work stoppage on December 1.

One of those teams was the Toronto Blue Jays. After having the Los Angeles Dodgers on the ropes in Game 7 of the World Series last October, the Blue Jays were one of the biggest disappointments of 2026.

Addressing their offensive regression is expected to be the focus for Toronto this offseason, and that seemingly has pointed them in the direction of Seiya Suzuki. The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reports the Blue Jays are expected to pursue Suzuki this offseason.

Cubs may already be losing ground in Seiya Suzuki race with Blue Jays circling early

While the Cubs would certainly be wise to entertain the idea of bringing Suzuki back, the expectation has been that his demand in free agency would likely lap the team's interest level. It's not that the Cubs don't have the money to sit at the top of Suzuki's market, it's just the impression most of their financial resources will be aimed toward improving the pitching staff.

Hitting 26 home runs with the Cubs this season while posting a 134 wRC+, Suzuki is positioned to be one of the best free-agent hitters available this winter. It's a thin free-agent class, which is likely why teams such as the Blue Jays are already circling with interest.

It's one of the reasons why between Suzuki and Ian Happ, the latter was always believed to be the most likely to return to the Cubs in 2027. Our very own Pat Ragazzo reported earlier this week that Happ would be interest in taking another discount to return to the Cubs next season.

Assuming Suzuki does depart the Cubs this offseason, it will be curious to see how the Cubs replace him. Josiah Hartshorn and Kane Kepley turned heads last season, but neither should be considered a legitimate option to break camp with the team in 2027. Pedro Ramirez or Matt Shaw could be options, but it also feels like one of the two could be traded for a cost-controlled pitcher.

For all the reporting of the Cubs planning to prioritize pitching this offseason, the potential loss of Suzuki can't be overstated. He was an important part to the team's offensive success over the last two years, and it would be foolish not to expect some form of regression if the Cubs don't actively replace him.

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