2 truths and 1 lie about the 2023 Chicago Cubs season so far

Truth #2: Seiya Suzuki's return will fix many of the Cubs' woes

It would be somewhat unfair to immediately deem Suzuki as the savior of the club. He's currently rehabbing following his oblique injury before Spring Training games began and, though his performance in the minors has looked encouraging thus far, there's no telling how ready he'll be for major league games without the same number of spring games as his peers.

That said, it's hard to deny that he'll solve a lot of the Cubs' problems upon his return. His bat already showed a lot of promise last year as he hit to a 116 wRC+ in a slightly injury-shortened season. He'll bring a little extra pop and discipline to a lineup that could certainly use both, lengthening it considerably from where they are currently.

Even if his offense doesn't immediately click though, he's still sorely needed on defense. Without Suzuki manning right field, the Cubs have played with less than stellar defense that ultimately cost them precious runs they'll need if they want to keep games within striking distance for their offense. Neither Mastrobuoni nor Mancini has looked particularly promising playing the position and simply being able to pencil Suzuki into right nearly every day will be a boon going forward. With a 0.7 UZR last year and a history of award-worthy outfield play in Japan, he's not only far better equipped to man the corner outfield, but he still has the potential to blossom into an elite defender.

By no means should fans expect Suzuki to be a superstar immediately, but in many ways, this team is aided considerably by his presence.