Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seiya Suzuki leaving the Chicago Cubs?
Suzuki is set to become a free agent, and the Cubs are expected to let him walk so they can focus heavily on upgrading their pitching staff. The organization has dug itself into a deep hole in the pitching department, leaving little room to spend on a deal that could top $100 million.
Which team is interested in signing Seiya Suzuki in free agency?
The Toronto Blue Jays have already made their interest in Suzuki known, even before the playoffs began. A league source confirmed the Jays are expected to pursue the Cubs outfielder this offseason.
Why do the Toronto Blue Jays want Seiya Suzuki?
Toronto finished dead last in MLB with only 152 home runs and averaged just four runs per game in 2026. Suzuki's 26 homers would've ranked second on the team and his .841 OPS would've led all qualified Blue Jays by nearly 80 points.
How good has Seiya Suzuki been for the Cubs?
Suzuki has established himself as a top-20 hitter in baseball over the past four years, averaging 25 home runs per season since 2023 with a career-high 32 in 2025. He posted a .270/.368/.473 slash line in 2026 and finished second among all right fielders with a 4.6 fWAR.
What is the qualifying offer and how does it affect Suzuki's free agency?
The Cubs will place the qualifying offer on Suzuki, meaning any team that signs him will lose a draft pick and international signing bonus money, while the Cubs receive a compensatory pick. This added cost could make some teams hesitant, but big spenders like the Blue Jays have shown they are not deterred by qualifying offer penalties.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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