Cubs Star Outfielder Thinks He Can Take Game to Next Level

The Chicago Cubs' star outfielder turned into one of the best hitters in baseball over the final months of the season after struggling at the beginning of the year. He thinks he take his game to an ever greater level in 2024.

The Chicago Cubs pulled a remarkable turnaround in July after it looked like they would fade into being one of the worst teams in the league.

Instead of accepting that reality, they started performing on the mound and at the plate to put themselves into playoff contention.

There might have been no bigger turnaround during the season for the Cubs than what star outfielder Seiya Suzuki was able to become in the final stretch.

The Japanese phenom was struggling at the plate early, posting a 61 wRC+ from June 2 to Aug. 7. This prompted manager David Ross to bench him for a few games and allow him time to figure some things out.

That strategy worked in spades.

Over his final 47 games, Suzuki had a slash line of .356/.414/.672 with 11 home runs.

"Things were not connecting the way I wanted to," the slugger told Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic about his early season struggles. "It was more on the mental aspect. I changed my approach and how I thought at the plate."

His change and success during the final stretch has prompted Suzuki to have a bold proclamation about his future.

"I don’t think I’m at my peak performance," he said.

That's a scary thought for opposing pitchers and a welcome one for Chicago.

Suzuki signed with the Cubs in 2022, coming over from Japan on a five-year, $85 million contract.

This past season was only his second year playing Major League Baseball, so there's still plenty of things for the 29-year-old phenom to learn.

If his proclamation comes true, a more consistent bat from Suzuki could make this Chicago lineup one of the best in baseball.

With the possibility that they lose Cody Bellinger this offseason, the Cubs will need to find more offensive production.

Suzuki seems primed to step into that role next year.