It's been no secret that the Chicago Cubs have been shopping former MVP Cody Bellinger this offseason. However, even with the Atlanta Braves current hole in left field, it's been clear that Bellinger has been less than an ideal fit for the club.
However, it turns out, he isn't the only outfielder Chicago is selling. According to the New York Post, the Cubs are determined to trade either Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki.
Suzuki, who signed with the Cubs prior to the 2022 season, might just be the perfect fit for the Braves.
The Braves should make Seiya Suzuki their number one priority
Seiya Suzuki: Absolute cinema pic.twitter.com/XYjtu4iaAo
— MLB (@MLB) June 2, 2024
When Seiya Suzuki first came from Japan, he struggled to adjust. He was still a decently above average hitter, slashing .262/.336/.433 (113 OPS+), but it was a far cry from his 2021 with the Hiroshima Carp, where he slashed .317/.433/.639. His below average defense (-4 OAA) also tanked his value, as he ended the season with 1.8 bWAR/1.9 fWAR.
However, in the two seasons that have followed Suzuki has made strides on offense. He's slashed .284/.361/.484 134 OPS+. He's had back-to-back 3+ WAR seasons, even with subpar defense (-1 OAA).
It's unclear why the Cubs would be willing to move on from Suzuki given his success with Chicago. Unlike Bellinger, who's owed at least $32.5 million next season with a $25 million option for 2026, Suzuki is owed $38 million over the next two seasons.
While the righty Suzuki doesn't fit the Braves desire for a lefty bat, the overall offensive value will be hard to pass on. Right now, the club only has certainty out of the centerfield position, With Ronald Acuña Jr. out at least through the first six weeks of the season, the Braves will likely need to get more value out of the two corner positions.
Suzuki fits the clubs needs perfectly, and while every other serious team should also be interested in the 30-year-old outfielder, the Braves have the prospect depth to meet the next team's best offer.