Seiya Suzuki's Silver Slugger push should make one Cubs offseason decision easier

It seems clear that beyond the National League MVP, Pete Crow-Armstrong is going to be among the players to take home a Louisville Silver Slugger award during the offseason. The other Chicago Cubs player who could be in consideration speaks to the one decision the team must make this offseason.

Had Seiya Suzuki not spent most of his 2025 games as the Cubs' designated hitter, chances are he would have stronger consideration for a Silver Slugger award last year. Truth is while he had a strong season, 32 home runs and a 123 wRC+, there still was a gap between his production and the production of Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.

Circumstances are different this time around. Assuming Suzuki reaches 100 games in right field this season, he will be eligible to win the award as an outfielder this season. Three outfielders are awarded, and assuming one is going to Crow-Armstrong, that makes for a compelling race for the other two honors.

James Wood feels like a clear candidate, and after that, it should be Suzuki. His wRC+ of 139 is third among National League outfielders this season, but Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals has more home runs with 28. Michael Harris of the Atlanta Braves is also going to get consideration, but the case remains that through advanced metrics, Suzuki has been one of the three-most productive outfielders in the National League this season.

Cubs can't ignore what Seiya Suzuki's Silver Slugger candidacy is telling them

There's a larger realization that should be made with that reality. Suzuki is a free agent after the season. It would seem clear that both Suzuki and Ian Happ won't be back with the Cubs next season. While the Cubs have number of ascending outfield prospects in their system, including Josiah Hartshorn, the fact remains none of them will be ready for Opening Day 2027, regardless of when that day is.

Even factoring in that one of Matt Shaw or Pedro Ramirez could be a starting outfielder next season, the Cubs likely will still be in the market for a veteran outfielder during the offseason. Considering the Cubs are in the middle of a contention window, they likely won't to make sure the addition they make can have an impact offensively. In other words, Suzuki would be the best fit for what they need from a position player standpoint this offseason.

With over $100 million coming off their books this season, the Cubs also have the financial flexibility to sign Suzuki near the top of his market without sacrificing their need for pitching. At this point, the decision has become obvious. Suzuki shouldn't leave the Cubs after this season.

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