Suzuki's Recent Performance Bodes Well for the Chicago Cubs in 2023

Despite a "retooling" for the Chicago Cubs this season, there have been quite a few bright spots. Marcus Stroman looks like an ace down the stretch, Franmil Reyes was an absolute steal, Nico Hoerner may be the future, and of course, Seiya Suzuki has begun to live up to his billing.

Suzuki was a highly sought after player when he announced his move from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan. When he ultimately signed with the Cubs he was put right to work becoming the club's everyday right fielder.

After a scorching start to his MLB career, he simmered off in May, but was still one of the most consistent producers at the plate for Chicago. While he wouldn't be a prototypical middle-of-the-order hitter for a contender, his defense coupled with his above-average production at the plate makes him an excellent back of the order type of player for such a club.

Unless, of course, his recent resurgence at the end of August and into the early part of September is the true Suzuki. Since Aug. 25 Suzuki has a .294 BA, a nice increase from his season average of .261. He has also seen his seasonal OPS increase by 24 points during that span.

Perhaps Suzuki has rebounded and the player the Cubs saw in April is starting to reemerge. If that were the case, he would be a huge piece for Chicago come the 2023 MLB season, perhaps able to slot into the top of the lineup for a contender.

The Cubs plan on contending in 2023, that has always been the goal, and they have plenty of young pieces who have shown promise, especially in the rotation and the bullpen. Couple that with the money Chicago plans on spending, and the Cubs have all the makings of a true competitor.

If Suzuki can show that his performance in the middle of the season, while still productive, is less the player he is, and his performances that have bookended his 2022 are more representative, then he could be piece that helps carry the Cubs next season.

If there was ever a season for a player making the jump from Japan to the MLB to find their footing, then this 2022 season for the Cubs is the perfect one. Suzuki has taken full advantage of his opportunity. Finishing off the season strong would go a long way in helping build confidence in the right fielder as well as the future of the ball club.

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