Suzuki's Year-End Hot Streak Continues with Japan's World Baseball Classic Quest
MESA, Ariz. -- Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs' slugger, is gearing up for a pivotal role with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Three years ago, Suzuki was set to play a key role for Japan, but an injury in late February forced him to withdraw, missing the tournament's dramatic climax as Japan emerged victorious over Team USA.
This time, Suzuki is determined to be part of the team's offensive arsenal. He expressed his childhood dream of playing for Japan, a special honor for any player.
Suzuki's previous experience in the World Baseball Classic came in 2017 when he was just 22 years old. The team went 6-1, with Suzuki's only defeat coming against Team USA in the semifinals. Despite not being part of the winning team in 2006 and 2009, he watched and aspired to be in Japan's shoes.
In 2023, Suzuki's second season in the Major Leagues was cut short by a left oblique injury in late February, ruling him out of the Classic. Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, acknowledged the timing of Suzuki's injury, hoping for a long run for Team Japan this spring.
Team Japan, including Suzuki, will compete in Pool C, playing games in Tokyo from March 5-10, alongside Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, and Korea. Suzuki will remain with the Cubs until the upcoming weekend, then depart for the Classic on February 23, ahead of his teammates.
Suzuki, who could play center field for Japan, humorously hinted at some friendly rivalry with Crow-Armstrong, challenging him to a helmet-throwing contest. The 31-year-old Suzuki is a potent bat, especially after an impressive campaign with the Cubs, where he set career highs in home runs, RBIs, and walks.
In his fourth MLB season, Suzuki's performance was exceptional, with a .478 slugging percentage in 151 games. He excelled in the first half and maintained a strong run into the postseason, ending the season with a four-game homer streak, a first in MLB history. Suzuki's performance in the postseason further solidified his importance as a middle-of-the-order hitter.
