Will Cubs Extend Seiya Suzuki or Go Cheaper as They Await Prospects?
Ian Happ isn’t the only Cubs outfielder facing free agency. Power-hitting right fielder Seiya Suzuki is also due to test the market, though his consistent-enough numbers give him a slightly better chance than Happ of remaining with the Cubs.
I’d give Matt Shaw the edge over Kevin Alcántara for the right-handed backup/platoon job, and I suspect Michael Conforto will be approached for an extension. His deal with LA was for Happ money, but the Cubs have him on a $2 million contract. I could see an offer for his age-34 season, especially if he’s cheaper than Ian Happ’s age-33 season and beyond. Conforto can play either corner while holding a spot for one of the Cubs’ trio of young outfielders.
Suzuki can hold down the same DH/RF role he has right now, though his ask for his age-32 season should be more than Happ/Conforto. Alcántara is still pre-arbitration; so is Shaw. Both are under team control until 2032 and are more or less expected to play roles on the club in 2027. No more Triple-A for those guys, so it’s play or trade.
Tyrone Taylor, who was recently acquired from the Mets along with Clay Holmes, could also factor in this decision. His deal would be for backup money, and only if they move on from some of the players expected to fill that role next year. The Cubs would probably like another left-handed bat in the mix, and would probably prefer to go young(er). And better.
This is the dilemma Jed Hoyer has been envisioning for a bit, and he doesn’t seem to be any closer to solving it than he was last winter. Owen Caissie wasn’t the answer, and Alcantara doesn’t seem to be either. Josiah Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, and Kane Kepley are all well regarded, but they can’t be counted on until 2028 or so.
As things currently stand, the 2027 outfield is PCA flanked by Shaw and Alcántara. That leaves a lot to be desired, so the Cubs are going to have to spend. The Happ and Suzuki questions need to be answered, and going with an extension for the latter seems to have public traction. Unless the club believes Happ will get back to his old self or that Conforto can be much better with more playing time.
The only thing definite is that the Cubs have to do something positive in the outfield. Unless, of course, the 2027 season doesn’t happen. Then the point is moot.
