Phillies Listed As Suitor For Japanese Star Outfielder

© Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Kelly of Audacity Sports listed the Philadelphia Phillies as a potential landing spot for Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

Suzuki, 27, is the latest international phenom to interest multiple MLB teams. Other teams showing interest include the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays. 

In 2021, Suzuki slashed .319/.436/.640 in 535 plate appearances for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball. Suzuki drove in 88 RBI’s with 38 home runs and an OPS of 1.072. He also drew 88 walks on the year while collecting only 87 strikeouts.

Through 4,129 plate appearances, Suzuki has struck out only 629 times, a 15.2 K%.

In his nine seasons spent in Japan, Suzuki has hit over .300 in seven and has not had an OPS below .900 since 2015.

Immense power, Suzuki has slugged over .600 in three separate seasons.

The three-time Gold Glove recipient (2016, 2017, 2019) would provide the Phillies with much needed outfield help offensively and defensively. In 2021, Suzuki held a .989 fielding percentage with 246 putouts and 13 assists in 262 chances.

Once the lockout concludes, Suzuki’s posted time will resume and each MLB club will have the opportunity to negotiate a contract with him.

If Suzuki is not signed, he will return to Japan.