Seiya Suzuki is still ‘100%’ committed to playing in Major League Baseball once the lockout ends
The Red Sox have shown interest in the 27-year-old outfielder
Unfortunately on Tuesday, Major League Baseball cancelled the first two series of the upcoming season. MLB and MLBPA were unable to agree upon a new CBA and Commissioner Rob Manfred axed regular season games. Despite the cancellation of regular games, Red Sox free agent target Seiya Suzuki is committed to playing in MLB in 2022.
Suzuki’s agent, Joel Wolfe told The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly that his client has “no desire to remain in Japan in 2022.”
“Seiya is 100% committed to playing in MLB this year,” Wolfe told Baggarly. “He’s shown remarkable patience and resolve.”
Once MLB and the MLBPA come to an agreement on a new CBA, Suzuki will have 20 days to sign with a club. There has been 10-12 teams that have shown significant interest in the Japanese star. The Red Sox have been linked to Suzuki for months and after the Hunter Renfroe trade, speculation grew even more.
It’s unclear which side of the country Suzuki wants to play on, but the expectation is the 27-year-old will earn a five-year, $60 million.
Last season, Suzuki hit .317 with with 38 home runs, 26 doubles, and 88 RBIs. Suzuki would be a huge addition for the Red Sox and it seems like Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom is intent on landing the 27-year-old.
Bloom has been on the record in saying the club is looking for an offensive-minded right-handed bat once the lockout ends. Suzuki fits that profile and would be an interesting addition to the Red Sox lineup.
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