The Chicago Cubs have several players that are entering the offseason as free agents, and as a result, the outfield is sure to look different than it has for a few seasons. Among the free agents is Seiya Suzuki, who has manned right field for the north siders since he signed a 5-year $85 million back in 2022. But with the end of that contract upon us, it's worth examining whether or not Suzuki will remain in the Windy City.
It's also worth acknowledging that Suzuki is not the only outfielder that the Cubs had on their roster in 2026 that is entering free agency. Ian Happ, the Cubs longest tenured player is a free agent, as is Michael Conforto and Tyrone Taylor.
The math points Suzuki out of town
Spotrac puts Suzuki's market value at 4 years, and just about $110 million. With the Cubs facing massively glaring issues with their pitching staff, it's highly unlikely that they would spend big money like that on a player like Suzuki, even if they're really thankful of his service over the last few seasons.
That averages out to $27.5 million dollars a year, money that would be much more wisely directed when there's already players in the Cubs organization vying for roster spots. They wouldn't quite be Suzuki, but players like Matt Shaw and Kevin Alcántara have shown much promise.
Shaw spent a good portion of the 2026 season in the mix for infield spots, and Alcántara has exactly the right kind of athleticism that lends itself at Wrigley. Neither one of them could replace Suzuki's production immediately, but given regular playing time and regular at bats, and they both have a ceiling that could eclipse even Suzuki.
The Cubs will almost certainly extend Suzuki a qualifying offer, and he'll almost certainly decline it. But because of that, and due to the fact that the Cubs exceeded the luxury tax in 2026, when Suzuki signs with another team, the Cubs receive a 4th round compensatory draft pick.
It's not much, but it's more than nothing.
None of this is a reflection on Suzuki, who lived up to his contract and came to become a beloved member of the Cubs during his time in Chicago. It's always bittersweet when someone like that departs, but be ready to see Suzuki suited up in a different uniform in 2027.
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