MLB News: Cubs Snag Hotly-Pursued Japanese Free Agent, Sign Suzuki To Five-Year Deal

The Chicago Cubs were expected to make a splash this season and it appears they have done just that.

According to USA Today per sources, the Cubs have signed one of the top prospects in MLB free agency in Seiya Suzuki. Chicago has reportedly signed the All-Star outfielder to a five-year deal worth $85 million.

For now, the signing remains unofficial since the deal has yet to be finalized. But once it is sealed, it would be the highest deal for any Japanese position player playing in the MLB.

It will also be the second-largest behind Mahiro Tanaka who signed a $155 million deal with New York Yankees back in 2014.

Suzuki is one of the best players out of the Nippon Professional League. He made his debut in 2013.

Last season, the 27-year-old hit .317 with 38 home runs and 88 RBI.

Once everything is ironed out, Suzuki is expected to play the outfield for the Cubs and likely take over from Jason Heyward. Although the 32-year-old still has two years remaining in the $144 million deal he owns, he has been struggling offensively.

All that could change if the Japanese player comes out with a better performance.

The Cubs and the camp of Suzuki met on Tuesday, Mar. 15, to discuss the deal. Part of those talks included the posting fee of $12.375 million paid to the Hiroshima Carp of the NPB, the Cubs' total expenditure to bring the outfielder to Chicago is $.375 million.

Suzuki is arguably one of the best stars that Japan has to offer. In the last six seasons, the 27-year-old outfielder has hit 38 home runs and drove in 87 with a slash line of .321/.435/.647 across two teams in 2021.

He should figure prominently for the rebuilding Cubs. Aside from him, Chicago added Marcus Stroman. But it remains that more talent is needed for the Chicago Cubs to figure prominently and reach the MLB playoffs.