Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Saturday at the Cubs Convention fan event that Suzuki will be the team's designated hitter "a lot" this season, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.
Suzuki has said that he prefers to play the outfield, but with Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker slated for everyday roles in that capacity this coming season, Suzuki's path to regular playing time is at DH. Counsell noted he spoke to Suzuki about the plan last week and the 30-year-old is on board. While he will be the Cubs' primary DH in 2025, Suzuki should still see enough action in the outfield to retain eligibility there for fantasy in 2026.
Cubs' Seiya Suzuki: Agent informed of interested teams
Rotowire
Suzuki's agent, Joel Wolfe, said he was told Monday by Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer which teams have expressed trade interest in his client, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.
Suzuki has a full no-trade clause and Wolfe noted that "it's a small universe" when discussing the locations to which his client might approve a trade. Wolfe also said Suzuki does not want to be a full-time designated hitter, which is how he finished last season with the Cubs. Suzuki slashed .283/.366/.482 with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 2024.
