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Kansas City Royals interest in Seiya Suzuki a shift in philosophy

By David Hill

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Outfielder Seiya Suzuki #51 of Team Japan hits a single in the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Outfielder Seiya Suzuki #51 of Team Japan hits a single in the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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The Kansas City Royals have not spent much time in the Asian market. While they have been active in terms of pursuing international prospects, the same cannot be said of their efforts for established players coming from overseas, as Yasuhiko Yabuta has been their only signing. Even their recent signings from Asia, Woo-Young Jin and Kaito Yuki, are prospects and a long way from contributing at the major league level.

But times may be changing. According to reports, the Royals are amongst the teams interested in bringing Japanese star Seiya Suzuki stateside.

Kansas City Royals interest in Seiya Suzuki showing a change in approach?

It would make sense if there was a change in the Royals’ philosophy this offseason. Longtime general manager Dayton Moore was promoted to become the president of baseball operations. Assistant GM J.J. Piccolo was then promoted into Moore’s previous role, becoming just the seventh general manager in franchise history.

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If that promotion does signal a shift in regards to the Asian market, Suzuki would be a worthy target. He has impressive power despite his small stature and relatively flat swing, belting at least 20 homers six times in Nippon Professional Baseball. His strong arm would play up in right, and he has made strides defensively in the outfield.

Suzuki had a dominant season in Japan in 2021. He posted a .319/.436/.644 batting line in his 530 plate appearances, hitting 38 homers and 26 doubles. His excellent plate discipline, with 87 walks and just 86 strikeouts, would help the Royals in their quest to get on base more often and create a more modernized lineup.

The Royals have other reasons to be enticed by Suzuki. He is just 27 years old and is just entering his hypothetical prime. If the projections are correct, and he can be a factor in the majors, the Royals would add another building block right as Nick Pratto and Bobby Witt Jr. are joining a young and talented rotation. The core could be there.

Next. 3 moves for the Royals this offseason. dark

According to reports, the Kansas City Royals are interested in Seiya Suzuki. This could mark a distinct shift in philosophy when it comes to the Asian market.

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