With talks at an impasse in their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández, the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring several intriguing right-handed hitting alternatives.
One such option reportedly under consideration is Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
Suzuki, 30, had an impressive 2024 season, slashing .283/.366/.482 with 21 home runs, 73 RBIs, and an .848 OPS. He is set to earn $36 million over the next two seasons and holds a full no-trade clause.
However, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Cubs might entertain trading Suzuki, given his potential shift to a designated hitter role following their acquisition of Kyle Tucker.
“Suzuki, however, will now be relegated to DH duty, with Tucker set in right, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center, and Ian Happ in left,” Rosenthal reported.
“While Suzuki performed slightly better as a DH than as an outfielder in a similar number of plate appearances last season, the Cubs understand he might not want to take on that role full-time.
The mere possibility, according to a source familiar with Suzuki’s perspective, makes him more open to approving a trade.”
The Cubs have already initiated conversations about Suzuki’s future. In a surprising development from the Winter Meetings, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer reached out to Suzuki and his representatives to discuss interest from other teams.
“Jed has been very transparent about it,” said Suzuki’s agent, Joel Wolfe. “He shared which teams they’ve been in talks with.
I don’t think he wants to trade Seiya, but there could be a scenario where he feels compelled to say yes to an offer. So he’s discussed with us which teams Seiya might consider.”
Wolfe added, “Seiya was an excellent defender in Japan, so the idea of him being relegated to DH isn’t exactly a compliment.”
While the Cubs traded Cody Bellinger after the Winter Meetings, another unexpected move remains possible.
“The bar to trade any great player is really, really high,” Cubs General Manager Carter Hawkins said during the Winter Meetings.
“We don’t want to trade Seiya. But as Joel mentioned, there are teams that are naturally interested in great players. If those teams inquire, we’re willing to have those discussions.
“That said, I don’t see much coming from it because Seiya is such a phenomenal player and fits our team so well.”
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are waiting for Hernández to make his decision. Once he does, the rest of the offseason puzzle should start to take shape, though the process is taking longer than the Dodgers had hoped.
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