Chicago Cubs: Seiya Suzuki draws intense criticism in latest MLB power rankings

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Chicago Cubs: Seiya Suzuki draws intense criticism in latest MLB power rankings

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated May 21, 2026 3:38 PM ET

When the Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Seiya Suzuki prior to the 2022 season, they believed they were getting a great slugger coming over from Japan. After all, he hit .315/.414/.570 in nine seasons in Japan, consistently hitting between 25 and 35 home runs a season.

In the fifth year of his $85 million contract, though, Suzuki has a career slash line of .269/.369/.455. Last season, 2024, was the first and only time, thus far, he hit over 30 home runs and drove in 100 or more runs.

This season, Suzuki missed the start of the year due to an injury in the World Baseball Classic. And while he has been hitting home runs and hitting near his MLB career average, he is not doing so when the team needs him to the most.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is not producing with runners in scoring position

May 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Cubs have hit a rough patch in the 2026 season. They have lost five games in a row and were just swept at home at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers.

As a result, Chicago fell from fourth to seventh in ESPN’s weekly power rankings on Thursday, and Suzuki was called out specifically for his inability to produce with runners in scoring position:

“If you think there is some rhyme or reason to hitting with runners in scoring position, look no further than Seiya Suzuki to dispel that notion. With the bases empty, he’s hitting .298 this season. That drops to .140 with runners in scoring position.

“The gap between those numbers is one of the largest among all NL hitters and is frustrating to Cubs fans, considering he’s a good hitter who gets reduced to weak outs when RBIs are available to him. But there’s no accounting for it. Just one year ago, Suzuki hit .309 with RISP. In 2024, it was .256. The Cubs are hoping a good run — of driving in runs — is coming.”

Overall this year, Suzuki is hitting .269/.369/.455 with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 36 games played.

As mentioned, Suzuki is in the midst of the final year of his contract with Chicago. If he cannot start producing when they need him to the most, it may very well be his last season in a Cubs uniform.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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