Cubs among 'hottest pursuers' of Japanese FA Suzuki originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The rumor mill is alive with MLB's lockout over, and there's a new report connecting the Cubs to a top free agent.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported the Cubs are among the "hottest pursuers" of Japanese free agent Seiya Suzuki, along with the Mariners, Dodgers, Giants and Red Sox.
Suzuki is an elite outfielder out of Japan's NPB who's available to sign with any MLB team this offseason through the league's posting process.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire pro career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and is coming off a strong season in which he hit .317/.433/.639 with 38 home runs (a career-high) and 88 RBIs. He also won his fifth Gold Glove in right field.
In nine seasons, Suzuki holds a .315/.414/.570 slash line, and additionally won a gold medal for Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Some have speculated he could land a five-year deal worth around $60 million this winter.
MLB teams have 30 days to negotiate with him this offseason, a process that started before the new year and was paused due to the lockout.
The team that signs Suzuki will pay a posting fee to his NPB club based on the total value of his contract. The posting fee process breaks down as follows:
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— 20 percent of the first $25 million
— 17.5 percent of the next $25 million
— 15 percent of any further guaranteed value.
The Cubs' outfield picture currently includes Jason Heyward, Ian Happ, Clint Frazier, Rafael Ortega, Michael Hermoillo and Harold Ramirez. Nico Hoerner also could see time out there this season.
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