MESA, Ariz. — Seiya Suzuki is currently focusing on enhancing his communication with manager Craig Counsell, who acknowledges that the shortcomings in their interaction last season were his responsibility.
Suzuki participated in the Chicago Cubs’ first full-squad practice for spring training, where he expressed enthusiasm not only for the upcoming season, which marks his fourth in Major League Baseball, but also for the team’s scheduled trip to Japan. However, he took time to reflect on aspects of the previous year that he believed could have been improved.
The primary concern for Suzuki was his communication with Counsell during their first year working together. “I feel like last year, we could have had better communication,” he commented via a translator. “So going into this year, I feel like we’re improving upon that, and then making it better during the season.”
Counsell, who joined the Cubs in November 2023, confirmed that there were challenges in their communication, attributing some of these to the adjustment period that comes with a new manager. He has taken responsibility for the situation. “We both talked about it kind of at the end of the year,” he said. “I’ll put it on myself, just doing a better job with talking to him. The language barrier makes you lazy, unfortunately. That’s on me, and I gotta get a little better at that, and will. That’s something that I promised Seiya, and I will work hard to do.”
As a crucial member of a revamped Cubs squad aiming to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Suzuki had a solid performance last season, posting a batting average of .283 along with 21 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases over 132 games.
After initially playing right field, Suzuki transitioned to the designated hitter position as the previous season drew to a close—a role he is expected to maintain following the Cubs’ acquisition of Kyle Tucker from Houston. Although Suzuki’s agent mentioned during the winter meetings that his client identifies primarily as an outfielder, negotiations about a potential trade did take place. Suzuki had signed a five-year contract worth $85 million with the Cubs back in March 2022.
Counsell clarified that the designation as a DH is not an area of communication concern, saying, “We have discussed that a bunch, and we are in a good place there.” During spring training, Suzuki will play both left and right field as Counsell evaluates his options.
“My job is to give it my all to whatever my job calls for,” Suzuki stated. “So if it is to DH, if it is to play the field, I’m giving my best and that’s my job.”
As the Cubs prepare to kick off their season with a two-game series in Tokyo against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Suzuki shared his excitement about the journey, especially anticipating how his teammates will adapt to a new culture. “I’m not going to tell them anything, so I’m looking forward to how they’re going to struggle,” he joked.
