Cubs' Seiya Suzuki is quietly on pace for the best year of his big-league career

Nobody's saying the Chicago Cubs aren't entertaining. A pair of 10-game winning streaks, a 10-game losing streak and, now, an MLB-best 10 walk-off wins offer a snapshot of a crazy roller coaster first-half experience, capped most recently by Seiya Suzuki's heroics on Monday night against the Padres.

Facing baseball's best reliever (and, honestly, maybe the game's best pitcher - period), Suzuki narrowly missed a walk-off homer, instead 'settling' for what went down in the scorebook as a game-winning RBI single that sent a packed Wrigley Field into a frenzy.

Suzuki drove in two of the Cubs' three runs in the win, helping the offense overcome a 3-for-13 showing with runners in scoring position and backing Shota Imanaga's gutsy six-plus inning start. Once again, the Chicago outfielder/DH came through in a big spot - and is putting together another impressive season for the North Siders.

On the heels of the first 30+ homer, 100+ RBI season of his MLB career, Suzuki is once again anchoring the Cubs' lineup and, as the team has pulled out of its offensive tailspin, he's been right at the center of it all. Over the last 15 days, he's slashing .313/.397/.521 - and over the last month, he checks in at .295/.373/.534. It's safe to say, he's a big reason this team has been able to stay in the thick of the playoff race, despite a blistering rash of injuries.

From potential trade chip to centerpiece of the Cubs' offensive puzzle

When the Cubs were seemingly spiraling out of control, Suzuki's name quickly popped up in trade speculation. On an expiring contract and capable of being a major run producer, it wasn't hard to find a fit (at least on paper) for the 31-year-old outfielder. Now, though, it's unthinkable to consider trading him, with the team back on track and eyeing a second straight playoff appearance.

Suzuki's big-picture consistency (sure, there are ups and downs, but at the end of every year, the numbers have always been there) has helped the Cubs overcome struggles from key pieces like Alex Bregman, Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. Monday's walk-off is just the latest example - and a nice reminder - that he's become critical to this team's offensive identity and will be a major X-factor for the team in the weeks and months to come.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow