Seiya Suzuki may be posted this offseason

For most stars in Nippon Professional Baseball, the ultimate dream is to test themselves at the major league level. While it does take a long time to reach free agency in Japan, the posting system allows teams to make those players available, receiving financial compensation. Hiroshima Carp outfielder Seiya Suzuki is one of those players, someone who has been vocal about his desire to come stateside.

He may be getting that chance this offseason. According to reports, the Carp are reportedly beginning to take the steps necessary to make him available through the posting system, including getting updated medical records and submitting the required paperwork.

Seiya Suzuki will have plenty of MLB suitors

Suzuki is a bit of a different mold than most players who get posted. He is just 27 years old and is widely considered to be one of the top players in Japan. Former Orioles outfielder Adam Jones, who played against him over the past two seasons, said that Suzuki is easily a major league talent.

Statistically, Suzuki is the type of player that will certainly intrigue a fanbase. He produced an excellent 1.086 OPS with 38 homers and 26 doubles in his 521 plate appearances, drawing 84 walks with just 85 strikeouts. It was the sixth consecutive season that he eclipsed the 20 homer plateau, showing his excellent power potential.

He does not appear to be the typical power hitter. Suzuki is just 5’11” tall and has a relatively flat swing compared to the uppercut approach from most power hitters these days. However, he generates incredible power with that swing, hammering the ball all over the ballpark.

Defensively, he has an incredibly strong arm that should allow him to settle in as a right fielder in the majors. He does not always the best jump when the ball comes off the bat, or take the best routes, but his speed does allow him to make up for those issues. Suzuki has also won the NPB version of the Gold Glove in right in three of the previous four seasons, so he has certainly put the work in when it comes to his defense.

His speed has not exactly translated to the basepaths, but he does have the ability to steal the occasional base. Suzuki had nine steals in 2021, and has hit the double digit mark in steals three times, he does not have a high success rate. However, he can take the extra base, and his speed will force teams to pay attention to him on the basepaths.

Overall, Suzuki is the type of player that can make an impact at the major league level. He does have his warts, particularly defensively, but his bat and willingness to learn should be assets. Perhaps with more coaching stateside, he can become at least an average defensive right fielder, someone whose throwing arm can be a weapon.

Seiya Suzuki is reportedly on the cusp of being posted. The Hiroshima Carp are beginning the process and getting his paperwork in order.