From high school pitcher to MLB star: the remarkable evolution of Seiya Suzuki

Sport & Games · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before becoming a standout outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, Seiya Suzuki was a pitcher capable of throwing a 92 mph fastball. His transition from the mound to a five-tool sensation in Major League Baseball marks one of the most impressive positional shifts in recent professional baseball history.

Seiya Suzuki’s journey to the Chicago Cubs began in Japan, where he was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the second round of the 2012 NPB draft. At the time, he was primarily a pitcher, having reached speeds of 92 mph on his fastball during high school. However, upon joining the Carp, he transitioned to an infielder, and later, before the 2015 season, to an outfielder.

His time in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) was defined by consistent dominance. Suzuki became a five-time NPB All-Star and a six-time Best Nine Award winner. His 2021 season was particularly notable; he set a career-high with 38 home runs and was the Central League's batting and on-base percentage champion. He also secured his fifth career Golden Glove Award that year.

Since joining the Cubs, Suzuki has demonstrated elite versatility and power. He made his MLB debut on April 7, 2022, as an Opening Day starter—the first Cub to do so since Kosuke Fukudome in 2008. He has since become a significant offensive force, notably recording his 300th career major hit on June 22, 2024, against the New York Mets.

Suzuki's profile is that of a 'five-tool player,' characterized by high batting averages, home run power, baserunning, fielding, and throwing. His ability to combine power-hitter mechanics with disciplined hitting has made him a standout in the National League, even when facing the statistical anomaly of being an All-Star snub despite leading the league in several categories.

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