Seiya Suzuki DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki will be the team's primary designated hitter during the 2025 season. Earlier in the offseason, the Chicago Cubs acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, creating a logjam in the team's outfield. However, Suzuki and manager Craig Counsell have agreed that he will spend most of the summer at the DH spot. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker to operate as the team's starting outfielder throughout most of the season. While Suzuki boasts a potent bat, his defense has been quite underwhelming. Last season, he posted a poor -3 OAA. However, in the batter's box, he held a. 283/.366/.482 line with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Suzuki should have prime RBI opportunities batting behind Tucker and Happ.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Chicago Cubs are "determined" to trade either outfielders Cody Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki. While Bellinger's name has been on the trade block earlier this offseason, Suzuki's name has yet to enter the conversation. Suzuki has spent each of his first three MLB seasons with the Cubs and has posted an overall .278/.354/.470 line. Last season, he hit a career-high 21 home runs and swiped a career-high 16 bags. Under the hood, he generated a stellar 49.2% hard-hit and 11.5% barrel rates. Given Chicago's surplus of young outfielders such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, and even top-hitting prospect infielder Matt Shaw, the Cubs may opt to ship one of these MLB bats to improve another position on their roster, which will open a spot for one of their budding prospects.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (ankle) is returning to the starting nine on Saturday afternoon as the Cubs continue a three-game set with the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Suzuki was kept sidelined over the past two games due to a minor ankle injury but will be back in action on Saturday. Since the start of the month, the 30-year-old has been swinging a hot bat with a .316/.438/.468 slash line with two home runs and six doubles. Suzuki has enjoyed another strong campaign in his third major-league season with a solid .281/.361/.482 line, 21 long balls, and 16 stolen bases. Suzuki will likely be drafted within the top 20 at his position due to his ability to contribute to all five standard categories.