Seiya Suzuki’s journey with the Cubs continues to evolve, and his transition to DH marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career
While the role shift may have surprised some, Suzuki has proven his ability to adapt and excel. His positive attitude, combined with his offensive consistency, makes him a vital piece of the Cubs’ lineup.
With Opening Day in Japan approaching and the Cubs looking to make a statement in 2025, all eyes will be on Suzuki to see how he embraces his role.
If last season was any indication, he is more than ready to take on the challenge and help lead the Cubs to success.
As the 2025 MLB season prepares to begin, all eyes will be on Tokyo, where the Cubs and Dodgers will set the stage for another thrilling year of baseball.
For Seiya Suzuki, this series represents a homecoming and a chance to shine in front of his fellow countrymen. For the teams, it’s an opportunity to make a strong early statement.
And for fans around the world, it’s the perfect reminder of why baseball is beloved across cultures and borders. One thing is certain: the Tokyo Series will be a must-watch event for baseball fans everywhere.
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Seiya Suzuki’s Special Preparation for the Tokyo Series
While both teams are preparing for the journey, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki has taken a unique approach to getting ready for the Tokyo Series.1
In a now-viral video shared by the Cubs on Instagram, Suzuki was seen carrying a samurai sword (katana) to batting practice.
The clip, which captivated fans, showed him mimicking batting swings with the katana, slicing through imaginary baseballs with precise control.
Suzuki’s use of a katana was more than just for show. The traditional Japanese sword represents precision, discipline, and control—values that align closely with the art of batting. Swinging the katana helps players improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and wrist strength, crucial components of a strong batting performance.
Given Suzuki’s experience in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), this method was not entirely surprising but was certainly entertaining for fans and teammates alike.
本日、テレビ朝日「報道ステーション」でOAです！
是非ご覧下さい😊 byスタッフ#鈴木誠也#松坂大輔 さん#報道ステーション@tvasahi_housute pic.twitter.com/ShQpJFu0EV— 【公式】鈴木誠也（Seiya Suzuki）#27 (@suzuki_seiya_sb) February 19, 2025
A Historic Start to the 2025 MLB Season
The Major League Baseball (MLB) season opener is always an event of excitement and anticipation, but the 2025 season promises something truly special.
The Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to open the season with a highly anticipated Tokyo Series.
The two-game showdown in Japan’s iconic Tokyo Dome will kick off on March 18, marking the first time since 2019 that MLB has opened its season in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan has long been a hotspot for baseball enthusiasm, boasting a deep-rooted love for the game that rivals even the United States.
The Tokyo Dome has hosted previous MLB games, and fans are eager to witness two of baseball’s most storied franchises in action.
The Cubs and the Dodgers, both rich in history and recent success, will not only play two regular-season games but will also take part in exhibition matches against local Japanese teams, further strengthening the cultural baseball exchange between the two nations.
Seiya Suzuki: Who Is He?
A Japanese Baseball Star
Seiya Suzuki is no stranger to the Japanese baseball scene. Before making his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2022, Suzuki was a standout player for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the NPB.2
Over his illustrious career in Japan, he earned five NPB All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, and six Best Nine Awards, marking him as one of the top players in the league.
His stellar performance overseas led to his highly coveted posting in 2021, eventually landing him a five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs.
Returning to Japan as an MLB player will be a full-circle moment for Suzuki. Japanese fans are eagerly anticipating his performance in the Tokyo Series, and he will undoubtedly be motivated to put on a show.
Playing in his home country in front of family, friends, and longtime supporters, Suzuki will have the rare opportunity to demonstrate how he has evolved as a player since his move to MLB.
The Dodgers vs. Cubs: A High-Profile Matchup
While Suzuki’s homecoming is a key storyline, the Tokyo Series also presents an exciting early-season clash between two National League powerhouses.
The Dodgers, perennial contenders and World Series champions in 2020, boast a star-studded roster. Meanwhile, the Cubs, who are in a competitive rebuilding phase, look to make an early-season statement against one of the league’s toughest opponents.
Both teams feature some of baseball’s biggest stars. The Dodgers will likely showcase players such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, making this series even more enticing for Japanese fans.
Ohtani, the two-way sensation, will be another player in the spotlight, especially given his superstar status in Japan.
For the Cubs, key players like Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, and Suzuki himself will be instrumental in their effort to secure victories in Tokyo.
Seiya Suzuki: The Cultural Significance of MLB in Japan
Major League Baseball’s decision to open the 2025 season in Japan is not just about competition; it is also about expanding the game’s global reach.3
Japan has produced several MLB stars over the years, including Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, Yu Darvish, and most recently, Shohei Ohtani.
The Tokyo Series serves as an opportunity to further solidify baseball’s international appeal and strengthen MLB’s relationship with Japan’s passionate baseball community.
The Tokyo Series is expected to bring significant benefits to Japanese baseball. The NPB remains one of the world’s top professional leagues, and exposure to MLB-level talent will only help young Japanese players develop their skills.
Additionally, these games provide Japanese fans with a rare opportunity to see their favorite MLB stars in person, further growing interest in the sport.
The Challenges of Opening the Season Abroad
- While the Tokyo Series brings excitement, it also presents unique challenges for the Cubs and Dodgers. The time zone difference, travel fatigue, and cultural adjustments can impact player performance.
- However, both teams have experience dealing with international games, and their coaching staffs are taking necessary precautions to ensure players are well-rested and prepared.
- Starting the season in Japan means both the Cubs and Dodgers will have an unconventional early schedule compared to other MLB teams.
- Adjusting back to U.S. time zones and continuing the grueling 162-game season will be a test of endurance and mental strength.
- However, both teams will gain early exposure on the global stage, potentially giving them momentum as they head into the rest of the season.
- The Cubs-Dodgers Tokyo Series is more than just an opening set of games—it’s a celebration of baseball as a truly global sport.
- It brings together fans from different continents, showcases some of the world’s best players, and fosters international camaraderie through the love of the game.
- Whether it’s Suzuki swinging a katana in preparation, Ohtani playing in front of his home crowd, or two historic teams battling it out, this series is bound to be an unforgettable moment in baseball history.
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Seiya Suzuki Embracing New Role with Cubs Ahead of 2025 Season
Suzuki’s Transition to Designated Hitter
Seiya Suzuki has made quite an impact since joining the Chicago Cubs, but heading into the 2025 season, he is adapting to a new role within the team.
Initially brought in as the Cubs’ primary right fielder, Suzuki shifted to the designated hitter position last season after Cody Bellinger returned to the outfield following an injury.
The change in his responsibilities did not deter his performance, as he delivered a career-high 21 home runs, 73 RBIs, and a .283 batting average.
Suzuki’s transition to DH was not entirely unexpected, especially given the team’s moves in the offseason. The Cubs traded for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, making the outfield even more competitive.
With this change, Suzuki has fully embraced his role as the team’s primary designated hitter and remains committed to helping the team in any way possible.
A Productive 2024 Season Despite Changes
Although some players may struggle with a position change, Suzuki handled it with professionalism and continued to thrive.
His offensive numbers showed that he could still contribute significantly to the lineup without playing the field every day.
His 21 home runs marked a personal best, and his batting average of .283 was among the best on the team. His consistency at the plate made him a valuable asset, and the Cubs relied on his bat to drive in key runs throughout the season.
When asked about his role adjustment, Suzuki remained positive and focused on the bigger picture. “My job is to give it my all, whatever my job calls for,” Suzuki said through his interpreter, Edwin Stanberry. “If it is to DH, if it is to play the field, I’m giving my best.”
Seiya Suzuki: Manager Craig Counsell’s Confidence in Him
Cubs manager Craig Counsell has high expectations for Suzuki and made sure to communicate that to him during the offseason.
Counsell spoke with Suzuki ahead of Spring Training to reinforce the importance of his contributions to the team’s offense.
“Seiya’s offensive seasons are really, really good,” Counsell stated. “And I think sometimes we’re like, ‘Do more.’
And I told Seiya this, ‘That’s a blessing and a curse, right? People think you’re that good that you can do more. … Take it that way. It’s the belief that everybody has in you.’”
Counsell’s words reflect the team’s faith in Suzuki’s abilities. With a solid season behind him and a clear understanding of his role, Suzuki enters the 2025 season with renewed confidence.
The Impact of Kyle Tucker’s Arrival
The Cubs made a major move in the offseason by trading for Kyle Tucker, an elite outfielder known for his powerful bat and defensive prowess.
Tucker’s arrival pushed Suzuki into a more permanent DH role, solidifying the Cubs’ outfield trio of Bellinger, Tucker, and Ian Happ. This move, while shifting Suzuki’s on-field presence, ultimately strengthened the team as a whole.
Tucker’s addition to the lineup gives the Cubs another high-caliber hitter, and his ability to drive in runs will complement Suzuki’s offensive production.
While some may see Suzuki’s move to DH as a demotion, the reality is that the Cubs are utilizing their roster depth in the best way possible.
By keeping Suzuki fresh and focused on hitting, the team maximizes his offensive potential without the added wear and tear of playing in the outfield.
Preparing for Opening Day in Japan
One of the biggest storylines for Suzuki and the Cubs heading into the 2025 season is their season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan.
This historic matchup will give Suzuki the opportunity to play in his home country, something he has expressed excitement about.
Facing a powerhouse team like the Dodgers in an international setting only adds to the anticipation surrounding the event.
For Suzuki, this is more than just another game; it is a chance to showcase his talent in front of a home crowd.
The Cubs will rely on his bat to help lead the offense against a Dodgers team stacked with talent. His experience playing in Japan before coming to MLB will be an invaluable asset as he steps onto familiar ground.
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Seiya Suzuki’s Growing Leadership Role
Beyond his offensive contributions, Suzuki is stepping into a leadership role within the Cubs’ clubhouse.
Now entering his third season with the team, he has gained respect from his teammates and coaching staff. His work ethic and professionalism serve as an example for younger players looking to establish themselves in the major leagues.
With a deep understanding of the game and experience playing on both sides of the world, Suzuki offers a unique perspective.
He continues to mentor younger players, particularly those transitioning to MLB from Japan or other international leagues. His ability to lead by example will be crucial as the Cubs aim to be competitive in the National League.
Adjustments to the DH Role
Transitioning from an everyday outfielder to a designated hitter requires mental and physical adjustments. While Suzuki no longer has to worry about playing defense regularly, the DH role comes with its own challenges.
Maintaining focus between at-bats, staying loose in the dugout, and making mid-game adjustments are all critical aspects of succeeding as a DH.
Suzuki has embraced this shift, finding ways to stay engaged and ready to contribute whenever he steps to the plate.
His disciplined approach to hitting and preparation have allowed him to thrive in this role. As he gains more experience as a DH, he will only continue to refine his approach and maximize his offensive potential.
Expectations for the 2025 Season
With his role now clearly defined, Suzuki heads into the 2025 season with high expectations.
The Cubs are looking to build on their previous campaign and make a deep playoff run. Suzuki’s offensive production will be key in determining how far the team can go.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can surpass his career highs from last season.
If he continues to hit for power and maintain a strong batting average, he could establish himself as one of the premier designated hitters in the league.
