With negotiations stalling in their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring other right-handed hitting options. One player reportedly under consideration is Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
Suzuki, 30, had a strong 2024 season, posting a .283/.366/.482 slash line with 21 home runs, 73 RBIs, and an .848 OPS. He is slated to earn $36 million over the next two years and holds a full no-trade clause.
However, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Cubs may consider trading Suzuki due to his potential transition to a designated hitter role after the team acquired Kyle Tucker.
“As Suzuki will now likely be the DH with Tucker in right, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center, and Ian Happ in left, the Cubs understand that he might not be keen on that role full-time,” Rosenthal noted.
Although Suzuki slightly outperformed as a DH last season, the Cubs’ awareness of his reluctance to fully embrace the position could make him more amenable to a trade, according to sources familiar with his perspective.
The Cubs have already begun discussing Suzuki’s future. During the Winter Meetings, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer reached out to Suzuki’s representatives to inform them of interest from other teams.
“Jed has been very transparent about it,” said Suzuki’s agent, Joel Wolfe. “He shared which teams they’ve been talking to. I don’t think he wants to trade Seiya, but there could be a scenario where he’s compelled to accept an offer. He’s also told us which teams Seiya might consider.”
Wolfe further remarked that Suzuki, an exceptional defender in Japan, isn’t thrilled by the prospect of being relegated to DH.
While the Cubs traded Cody Bellinger after the Winter Meetings, another unexpected move involving Suzuki remains possible.
“The bar to trade any great player is really, really high,” said Cubs GM Carter Hawkins. “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 open to discussing it. However, I don’t see much happening because Seiya is such a phenomenal player and fits our team so well.”
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are still waiting for Teoscar Hernández to make his decision, which will likely determine the rest of their offseason moves. However, the process has taken longer than expected.
