Suzuki Adds Bulk in Offseason to Bring Strength to Chicago Cubs

Seiya Suzuki gained 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason and he believes the added strength will make him a better all around player.

The Chicago Cubs right fielder is hopeful that the extra weight will help his stamina and bat speed in a marathon 162-game regular season with a potential postseason.

‘‘I just want to make sure I don’t get injured during the season,’’ Suzuki told reporters at spring training in Mesa, Ariz. ‘‘Just do my best to contribute to the team and obviously win a championship.’’

In his first Major League season, Suzuki was named National League Rookie of the Month in April. He was inconsistent the rest of the way while dealing with a nagging finger injury.

Suzuki hit .262 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI in 111 games. Of his 104 hits, there were also 22 doubles and two triples.

The talent was evident.

‘‘I thought he was comfortable last year,’’ manager David Ross said. ‘‘But getting to know the culture, the food, the travel, the league — if you saw him at times facing another pitcher the second time around, maybe another start in-division, he just had better at-bats, knew what guys were trying to do to him. So he’s going to continue to get more comfortable every single year. But he looks like he’s in a really good place.’’

In addition, Suzuki is excited to compete for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic beginning next month.

Coming to spring training in shape was imperative.

‘‘This year, there’s a lot of good players that are going to be in the tournament,’’ Suzuki said. ‘‘I talked to the manager for Team Japan (Hideki Kuriyama), and he gave me some really good words, and it really motivated me to start a little earlier this spring and play for Japan.’’

Suzuki starred for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp for nine seasons before joining the Cubs.

More From SI's Inside The Cubs

Make sure to follow Inside the Cubs on Twitter!