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 outfielder currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Before joining the Cubs, he played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. During his time in NPB, Suzuki achieved significant recognition, including five NPB All-Star selections, six NPB Best Nine Awards, and five NPB Golden Glove Awards. He also represents Japan in international baseball competitions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 1, 2019: Selected to the 2019 WBSC Premier12

On October 1, 2019, he was selected at the 2019 WBSC Premier12.

2019: Won 2019 NPB Home Run Derby

In 2019, On July 13, Suzuki won the 2019 NPB Home Run Derby, defeating Orix Buffaloes outfielder Masataka Yoshida 4-3 in the final round.

2019: Named for fourth consecutive NPB All-Star Series

In 2019, Suzuki was named for his fourth consecutive NPB All-Star Series after receiving the most votes among all Central League players.

2020: Awarded Central League Golden Glove and Best Nine Award

In the 2020 season, Suzuki was awarded his fourth career Central League Golden Glove Award and his fifth career Best Nine Award.

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

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

November 22, 2021: Posted by Hiroshima and Made Available to MLB Teams

Following the 2021 season, on November 22, 2021, Suzuki was posted by Hiroshima and made available to all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams to negotiate a contract.

2021: Suzuki played in 132 games for the Carp

In 2021, Suzuki played in 132 games for the Carp, setting a career-high in home runs, with 38, to go along with 88 RBI and a .317/.433/.636 slash line.

2021: Named NPB All-Star, Golden Glove and Best Nine Award

In 2021, Suzuki was named a NPB All-Star for the fifth time in his career. He was also awarded his fifth career Central League Golden Glove Award and sixth career Best Nine Award.

March 18, 2022: Agreed to a five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs

On March 18, 2022, Suzuki officially agreed to a five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth $85 million.

April 7, 2022: Made MLB debut for Cubs

On April 7, 2022, Suzuki made his Cubs debut, working a full-count walk against Corbin Burnes in his first MLB plate appearance and collected his first major league hit in the 5th inning of that game.