Conflicting Reports Emerge About Seiya Suzuki's Intentions To Sign With Red Sox When MLB Lockout Ends
BOSTON (CBS) -- Like the rest of Major League Baseball, the Red Sox are in a holding pattern as the league and the MLBPA try to end the current lockout. But when the lockout does end, the Red Sox may make a huge free agent splash.
The Red Sox are the favorites to sign Japanese superstar Seiya Suzuki when MLB gets back up and running, according to a report from Yahoo Japan. There is a conflicting report by Nikkan Sports, however, that says that Suzuki has narrowed his list of teams down to three or four -- the Mariners, Cubs, Giants and Padres -- none of which are Boston. Either way, Suzuki is expected to sign shortly after the lockout ends.
Boston was rumored to be making an aggressive push for Suzuki before the lockout, and the outfielder would certainly fill a big need on the Red Sox roster.
Suzuki hit .317 with 38 homers while driving in 88 runs over 134 games for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in 2021. The 27-year-old is a five-time All-Star and would fill the void left in the Boston outfield following the team's offseason trade of Hunter Renfroe to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Suzuki won't come cheap though. He is expected to command a five-year, $60 million deal, and whatever team signs him will have to pay his posting fee as well, which will be a percentage of his contract.