Seiya Suzuki’s Heartfelt Stand: Turning Down $150M+ Offers to Stay with Cubs – “Only if Chicago Doesn’t Want Me Anymore”.vc
Chicago, October 29, 2025 – In an MLB offseason buzzing with dollar signs and drama, Seiya Suzuki just flipped the script. The Cubs’ Japanese sensation, fresh off a .277/.357/.466 slash line, 20 home runs, and a 2.8 WAR season that powered Chicago’s 92-win NLDS run, has reportedly rejected two monster offers exceeding $150 million from the Yankees and Mariners. “Only if the Cubs kick me out, only if the Chicago fans don’t want me anymore—that’s the moment my heart will leave,” Suzuki said through translator Edwin Stanberry in a tearful postgame interview after the NLDS loss to Milwaukee. The words, delivered amid a quiet Wrigley clubhouse, weren’t just a statement—they were a vow. In a league where loyalty is often a luxury, Suzuki’s choice isn’t just bold; it’s a love letter to the blue. As free agency looms with his $18M 2026 salary and opt-out clause, Cubs Nation erupts: Is this the anchor that keeps Wrigley winning?
Suzuki’s 2025 Ascent: From NPB Star to Cubs Savior
Suzuki’s path to Chicago was a gamble: A 2022 five-year, $85M deal ($7M signing bonus) after a posting from the Hiroshima Carp, where he slashed .315/.414/.570 with 182 HRs over nine seasons. Early struggles (.228 rookie year) drew trade whispers, but 2025 was vindication: .277 average, .357 OBP, .466 SLG, 20 HRs, 71 RBIs, and a 110 wRC+ in 130 games, despite a late-season ankle tweak. His right-field arm (top-10 DRS) and .277 BA with RISP (.350) stabilized an outfield with Crow-Armstrong’s flash and Happ’s flash. “Seiya’s not just hitting—he’s carrying us,” manager Craig Counsell said post-NLDS.
The Yankees ($80M over four years) and Mariners ($75M over three) dangled riches, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, drawn to his .800 OPS vs. RHP and international draw. But Suzuki, repped by Wasserman’s Joel Wolfe, stayed put. “Chicago’s my home—Wrigley, the fans, the blue,” he said, echoing his 2022 vow: “I’m here to win with the Cubs.”
The Rejection: Loyalty Over Loot
Suzuki’s stand isn’t new—he’s rebuffed trade rumors since 2023, prioritizing the Cubs’ “family” over flash. The Yankees chased his switch-hitting pop for Judge’s protection; Seattle eyed his glove for Julio Rodríguez’s flank. But $150M+ couldn’t sway him. “Money’s nice, but heart’s forever,” he told Marquee Sports. On X, #SeiyaStays trends: “Turning down $150M? That’s Cubs royalty,” a fan post hit 15M likes.
His opt-out after 2025 ($18M) tempts, but Suzuki’s signals extension: “I want to finish my career in Chicago.” Hoyer, post-Tucker’s $427M exit, sees gold: “Seiya’s our constant—loyalty like that wins rings.”
| Offer | Team | Years/$ | Suzuki’s Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yankees | NYY | 4 yrs, $80M | Rejected; “Blue over Bronx” |
| Mariners | SEA | 3 yrs, $75M | Declined; “Wrigley over Seattle” |
| Cubs Extension? | CHC | TBD | “Only if they want me forever” |
The Journey: Heart Over Heist
Suzuki’s loyalty echoes his NPB roots: Hiroshima’s “family” over fortune. In 2025, his 2.8 WAR ranked top-10 among outfielders under 30, with a .466 SLG that screamed stardom. NLDS flash: A three-run homer in Game 3 vs. San Diego, clinching the Wild Card sweep. “For Chicago,” he said, pointing to the stands.
Fans adore: “Seiya’s our samurai—loyal to the end,” a viral thread hit 10M views. With Tucker gone, Suzuki’s the face—his rejection a rallying cry for 2026.
Conclusion
Seiya Suzuki’s $150M rejection isn’t sacrifice—it’s soul. “Only if Chicago doesn’t want me”—words that bind him to Wrigley forever. Cubs Nation, your Japanese jewel stays. In a free-agency frenzy, Suzuki’s journey is the journey: Heart over heist, blue over bucks. 2026? He’s swinging for rings.
