The Chicago Cubs were hoping that right fielder Seiya Suzuki would be able to build off his best slugging MLB season from a year ago. In 2025, he hit .245/.326/.478 with 32 home runs and 103 RBI. It was the first time in his Major League career that he hit over 30 home runs and drove in over 100 runs.
Indeed, the first three seasons of his career after coming over from Japan had been less successful than the Cubs had hoped. And even last year, when he had career highs in home runs and RBI, he still had the worst batting average and on base percentage of his time in Big Leagues.
But any hopes that Suzuki and the Cubs had of him having a better year in 2026 have been put on hold.
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki has gotten an MRI on his knee
During Team Japan’s loss to Team Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Suzuki hurt his knee while sliding into second base. He was removed from the game and, after the loss, returned to Cubs’ training camp.
But he has not returned to baseball activities. Instead, he has undergone an MRI on his knee after team physicians examined it:
After being examined by a doctor, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is undergoing an MRI on his right knee to determine the extent of the injury he experienced while playing in the World Baseball Classic.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 16, 2026
“Let’s get the information, and then we should be able to tell you that,” manager Craig Counsell said when asked about the nature of the injury. Still, the fact that the team needed to get an MRI ordered for their right fielder is not exactly a positive sign.
Should Suzuki miss any time, and it sure sounds like he will, Matt Shaw will see plenty of playing time in right field.
Last season, Shaw emerged as the Cubs’ everyday third baseman. However, he lost that job this spring following the free agent addition of Alex Bregman.
More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports
- Cubs manager makes right field decision following Suzuki injury
- WBC: Italy makes last-minute starting pitcher change vs Venezuela
- Why the Cubs can’t afford a slow start in 2026
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