Chicago Cubs News: Seiya Suzuki is jacked, Kevin Alcantara, and more

Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki reported to the team's Spring Training facility in Arizona last week and in a picture that he shared on Twitter on Wednesday, it is clear that Suzuki has added muscle this offseason.

Injuries limited Suzuki to only 111 games during his first season in Major League Baseball with the Cubs in 2022. In 446 plate appearances, Suzuki slashed .262/.336/.433/.334 wOBA/116 wRC+. Suzuki also hit 14 home runs during his first season with the Cubs and there is no question that he would have reached the 20-home run plateau had he been healthy for the entire season.

Assuming health, Suzuki could be primed for a breakout season for the Cubs in 2023. Entering his second season in Major League Baseball, Suzuki should be comfortable facing Major League pitchers and that may speak to the success he saw during the final month of the season when he slashed .282/.354/.493/.368 wOBA/139 wRC+.

Suzuki breaking out in 2023 would be an important development for the Cubs moving forward as it would give them a superstar bat that is already in-house and that may alter their pursuits at the trade deadline or free agency next offseason.

Kevin Alcantara puts on a show during batting practice at Spring Training

Much like Cubs' top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong had a breakout season in 2022, Alcantara may be the prospect that breaks out in 2023. Alcantara was acquired by the Cubs in the 2021 Major League Baseball trade deadline deal that saw Anthony Rizzo go to the New York Yankees. Alcantara has begun leapfrogging Brennen Davis on some prospect rankings and that may be a climb that continues this season for the outfielder.

It is a nice to have a Chicago Cubs star promoted by Major League Baseball again

Jameson Taillon adding to his pitch mix this Spring