A Centerfield Option the Astros Should Explore

According to a recent interview with Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, Japanese star, Seiya Suzuki, mentioned that he is still intent on making his transition from Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan to Major League Baseball, once a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed.

Ever since the news came that Suzuki would be posted by his Japanese team, several MLB teams have expressed interest in the 27-year-old Japanese star. Even American League West rivals, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, have publicly stated that they are high on Suzuki and have met with him.

Neither the Houston Astros nor Seiya Suzuki have shown any public interest in each other.

Considering the Astros certainly needing a productive-veteran bat, could a union between Suzuki and the Astros work?

Since we all have nothing better to do while MLB owners and MLBPA squabble over money, rules and semantics, let’s take a look at the Suzuki as a player, the Astros big league needs and the how these two might be able to fit together.

If you aren’t an avid follower of Nippon Professional Baseball, Suzuki is a 27-year-old outfielder, playing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. You might also remember him from the 2020 (played in 2021) Olympic Games, where Japan won gold in baseball over the United States.

Beyond that, he has put quite the career together throughout his career. In his nine seasons in NPB, Suzuki is slashing .315/.415./.571 with 182 home runs through 901 games. Just this last 2021 season, Suzuki hit a career-high 38 home runs and a 1.075 OPS, with a near 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 131 games.

As with any player coming from an international organization, there is concern that the success might not translate. There are plenty of cases for and against the argument.

However, It is clear from watching Suzuki that he has good contact, patience at the plate, defensive prowess, a lot of power and tools that should have no problem translating into MLB production. Generally, it’s just hard to discount a player who is a five-time All-Star in nine seasons in any professional league.

If Carlos Correa leaves Houston, the Astros will have to replace the offense lost.

On the other hand, the Astros are in an interesting position this free agency period. They have a massive void at the shortstop position. Their franchise star in Carlos Correa is poised to get a mega deal that is seemingly less and less likely to come from the Astros.

Less talked about is the need in centerfield. There is no doubt that Chas McCormick and/or Jake Meyers are good defenders and serviceable at the plate. With the team on what could arguably be called a dynasty run since 2015, manager Dusty Baker simply cannot be asked to rely on developing bats in the lineup down the stretch.

That outfield need becomes even more glaring should James Click fail to resign Correa, or follow through on their interest in Trevor Story, as the team will have to look Jeremy Peña, a near-MLB ready prospect tearing his way through the Astros farm system. Creating the potential for two developing batters in the lineup.

Frankly, it strong possibility that Jeremy Peña could be slotted in at shortstop. In that instance, the Astros have to look at free agent outfielders for that highly productive, veteran bat. Climbing Tal’s Hill’s Marty Coleman put a piece together on the Astros centerfield options, in particular.

However, a big name, free agent outfielder with proven success seems like the best case scenario should Peña get the starting gig.

Wisely spending money has never been a problem for the Astros organization.

Obviously, we can’t have a discussion about a free agent without talking about the money. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Suzuki could command a five-year, $55 million deal. That’s not a huge deal on the surface for two reasons.

First reason being MLB teams are cautious on mega deals due to the recent success (or lack thereof) of batters from the Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Second, whatever MLB team signs Suzuki would also have to pay a release fee. Under the current MLB-NPB agreement, the Carp would receive a payout equal to 20 percent of the first $25 million in guaranteed contract value, plus 17.5 percent of the next $25 million, plus 15 percent of any amount beyond $50 million.

On Nov. 21, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball posted Suzuki, allowing him a 30-day window to negotiate with MLB teams. Due to the current CBA expiring on Dec. 2, the negotiating window has a freeze until a new CBA can be finalized and signed.

There are a lot of moving pieces for the Astros this offseason. However, on paper, Suzuki could be a nice upgrade to the team’s offensive lineup that’s might be lost in the departure of Correa.