Seiya Suzuki's latest Cubs comments sound more like a farewell than simple reflection

The Chicago Cubs being swept by the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round has forced the team to come to grip with the reality that there are several players who won't be back with the team next season. Near the top of that list might by Seiya Suzuki, who is expected to be among the best free-agent hitters available this offseason.

One decision the Cubs may be facing this offseason is choosing between Suzuki and Ian Happ. Suzuki should be the choice, but recent reporting has suggested that Happ would be open to a discount to remain with the Cubs. Given the needs the Cubs will have across their pitching staff, re-signing Happ to a team-friendly deal feels more likely than the Cubs going to the top of Suzuki's market.

Seiya Suzuki's Cubs reflection may have just erased any lingering hope of a return

It's why Suzuki's reflection on his five-year run with the Cubs feels closer to a farewell than someone exploring what a return could look like.

"Looking back at the 5 years, I don't know if I was able to reach the expectations that people had (for me) or for myself."

Things were not always perfect between the Cubs and Suzuki, there was constant tinkering to the relationship between the two sides, including a change in translator. There have also been trade rumors, as recently as this past deadline, but over the last two years, it's felt like the Cubs finally had the version of Suzuki they were hoping for.

Suzuki hit 32 home runs with the Cubs last season, and while he hit 26 in 17 fewer games this year, he posted an OPS of .841 with a wRC+ of 134. It's the reason why Suzuki is going to be in demand this winter.

Assuming that's the case, the Cubs aren't expected to take part in a bidding war for the 32-year-old outfielder. Beyond that, The Athletic's Patrick Mooney suggests that it's unlikely the Cubs will be the team to submit the highest offer to Suzuki in free agency.

The hope is that the Cubs don't ignore their offense this offseason. Again, Suzuki is the type of bat the Cubs should want to keep around, but if the money and prospect capital is going to be mostly shifted toward the team's pitching needs, this is just how the Cubs weigh their available resources.

But, this is a team that could enter the 2027 season without Happ, Suzuki, and Carson Kelly. That's a lot of offense potentially walking out of the door, and the Cubs likely won't be able to fully replace that production internally.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow