Seiya Suzuki, barring a shock, will play for an MLB membership in 2022.
After the lockout, we’ll discover out which workforce secures his companies.
The 27-year-old outfielder has fairly a market, as a minimum of half a dozen organizations have expressed curiosity.
In any case, he hit .317/.433/.636 with 38 dwelling runs and a 1.069 OPS in 2021.
He has had a fruitful profession in Japan, with a .309/.402/.541 line and a .943 OPS.
But it surely’s time to make the soar.
Listed here are three the reason why his sport ought to translate nicely to the calls for of as we speak’s MLB.
Giants’ Farhan Zaidi on Seiya Suzuki: “He is a very good participant. We have scouted him like plenty of groups have. We’ll see what occurs. We’ll be in that OF market & including one other right-handed bat, notably one which hits for energy w/good at-bat high quality, sort of suits our workforce.”
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) November 11, 2021
3. He Is Versatile
MLB groups worth versatility as of late.
They like a man who can maintain his personal at two or extra positions across the diamond, giving the supervisor some added flexibility on the time of constructing the lineup.
Suzuki suits the invoice.
Not solely is he an unimaginable offensive machine, however he may play a number of positions on the sector.
He has been an outfielder for many of his profession, extra particularly, a proper fielder.
Nonetheless, he has expertise at third base, shortstop, first base, heart discipline, and left discipline throughout his taking part in profession in Japan.
It’s not simple to search out defensive metrics in Japan that may assist us perceive if he was really good in any respect these positions, however the reality his managers trusted him sufficient to play there sometimes tells us one thing.
The workforce that indicators Suzuki in MLB will possible assign him a nook outfield function, and it might be one of the best for all events concerned.
But it surely’s good to know he can play throughout the diamond in case of emergency.
2. He Can Hit All Sorts Of Pitches
One of many worrisome issues about bringing in Japanese or Korean gamers to the bigs is their capacity to hit fastballs.
In these leagues, breaking pitches are the usual, and whereas MLB has been trending that method for a few years, it’s nonetheless a fastball league.
That’s why some Asian gamers wrestle with fastball velocity in MLB, particularly up within the zone.
However studies point out that Suzuki is completely different.
He’s stated to be affected person with breaking stuff, ready for them to develop.
He additionally, in line with specialists, drives fastballs and pulls most of his dwelling runs.
Some scouting on Seiya Suzuki:
Most of his energy is to LF/CF.
Sits again to attend on breaking pitches. Drives fastballs.
Palms transfer fast, fluid by means of the zone.
Walks: Drew 88 final yr. .433 OBP.
Profession excessive 38 HR. Usually averages 26-30.Has Fenway Park written throughout him. pic.twitter.com/ZY6l7Cm77Q
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) December 6, 2021
His fast arms enable him to catch as much as several types of fastballs thrown at completely different elements of the strike zone.
After all, fastballs are tougher and with extra spin in america, and breaking pitches are higher, usually.
In different phrases, Suzuki must apply his uncooked instruments and have a short adjustment interval as he will get to know MLB pitchers’ stuff first-hand.
However he has the sources to make it occur and achieve success.
1. He Is Extraordinarily Affected person And Disciplined
One of many issues that makes or breaks careers in MLB is persistence, pitch recognition, and plate self-discipline.
If his profession in Japan is any indication, Suzuki has all of them.
He labored 88 walks final yr, in simply 134 video games.
That earned him an especially excessive .433 OBP, which might make him a star in america.
Over his nine-year profession in Japan’s skilled baseball league, Suzuki has confirmed glorious plate self-discipline numbers.
He has 524 walks and 631 strikeouts, a really good ratio.
He seems to have the attention to take unhealthy pitches and pounce on good ones, which is the muse of an amazing hitter.
