Career Timeline of Seiya Suzuki: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Seiya Suzuki made an impact.

Seiya Suzuki is a Japanese professional baseball player currently with the Chicago Cubs of MLB. Before joining the Cubs, he played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in NPB, achieving significant accolades. These include being a five-time NPB All-Star, a six-time NPB Best Nine Award winner, and a five-time NPB Golden Glove Award recipient. Suzuki also represents Japan in international baseball competitions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Drafted by Hiroshima Toyo Carp

In 2012, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp drafted Seiya Suzuki in the second round of the NPB draft. Initially a pitcher in high school, he transitioned to infielder upon joining the team and was assigned uniform number 51.

September 14, 2013: NPB Debut

On September 14, 2013, Seiya Suzuki made his debut in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) at age 19. He appeared in 11 games, spending most of the season in the farm system.

2014: Farm System Performance

In 2014, Seiya Suzuki spent most of the season in the farm system. He played 36 games with a .344 batting average, a .382 on-base percentage, and a .500 slugging percentage.

2015: Position Change and Opening Day Start

Before the 2015 season, Seiya Suzuki's position was changed from infielder to outfielder. He started the season in the opening day lineup and played 97 games, hitting five home runs with a .275 batting average.

2016: All-Star Appearance and Gold Glove Award

In 2016, Seiya Suzuki made his first NPB All-Star Series appearance. He led the team in batting average (.335), home runs (29) and OPS (1.016), winning the Gold Glove Award and the Best Nine Award while helping the Carp win their first pennant in twenty-five years.

2017: Second All-Star Appearance and Injury

In 2017, Seiya Suzuki made his second consecutive All-Star appearance. On August 23, Suzuki left the game due to an ankle injury which led to surgery for a malleolar fracture on his right tibia and a deltoid ligament injury, ending his 2017 season. He finished the season with a .300 batting average, 26 home runs, and 90 RBIs.

April 4, 2018: Removal from Roster Due to Muscle Stiffness

On April 4, 2018, Seiya Suzuki was removed from the roster due to muscle stiffness in his lower body. He was reactivated on April 18th. He was also named for his third consecutive NPB All-Star Series, and hit his first All-Star game home run.

October 1, 2019: Selected for 2019 WBSC Premier12

On October 1, 2019, Seiya Suzuki was selected for the 2019 WBSC Premier12. He was named the tournament MVP after leading the tournament with a .478 batting average.

2019: NPB Home Run Derby Win

In 2019, Seiya Suzuki was named for his fourth consecutive NPB All-Star Series. On July 13, he won the 2019 NPB Home Run Derby, defeating Masataka Yoshida.

2020: Continued Success in COVID-19 Season

During the COVID-19-affected 2020 season, Seiya Suzuki played in 118 games for Hiroshima, slashing .300/.409/.544 with 25 home runs and 75 RBI. He was awarded his fourth career Central League Golden Glove Award and his fifth career Best Nine Award following the season.

June 16, 2021: Selection to Team Japan for 2020 Summer Olympics

On June 16, 2021, Seiya Suzuki was selected to Team Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

November 22, 2021: Posted by Hiroshima

On November 22, 2021, Seiya Suzuki was posted by Hiroshima, making him available to all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams.

2021: Career High in Home Runs and Awards

In 2021, Seiya Suzuki set a career-high with 38 home runs, along with 88 RBI and a .317/.433/.636 slash line. He was the Central League batting champion, on-base percentage leader, named a NPB All-Star for the fifth time, and awarded his fifth Golden Glove and sixth Best Nine Award.