December 8, 2022

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (oblique) has been diagnosed with a moderate left oblique strain, and there is no timetable for his return. The 28-year-old entered the 2022 season as an unknown and immediately raised expectations with a sterling April (.279/.405/.529 with four homers), but his final line of .262/.336/.433 with 14 HR in 446 PAs was something of a disappointment. His plate discipline wasn't great, with a 24.7 K% and 9.4 BB%, but the underlying 25.6% chase rate and 8 SwStr% suggest better things to come. Suzuki also excelled at elevating the baseball with a 40 FB%, but his 92.5 mph average airborne exit velocity was only league average. Again, others metrics, such as his 11% rate of Brls/BBE and 111.3 mph max exit velocity suggest more pop in his bat. Perhaps a persistent finger injury limited his power? Suzuki is a good athlete with a 28.3 ft./sec Statcast Sprint speed, but going 9-for-14 on the bases last season (64% success rate) will probably earn him a red light. Pulling out of the WBC with a moderate left oblique strain adds another fantasy question mark, as the injury is known to linger, and Suzuki may not be ready for Opening Day. Suzuki offers plenty of upside at his ADP of 109.20, but his .247 xBA and inability to translate his peripherals into fantasy production present plenty of risks as well.--Rick Lucks - RotoBaller