BALTIMORE — Seiya Suzuki wasn’t willing to let his home run overshadow misplaying a routine fly ball.
Suzuki didn’t want to talk about his home run after Friday’s win against the Los Angeles Angels, instead continuing to mention how his third fielding error of the season was a play he should have made with ease. For a Chicago Cubs team that envisioned their defense again being a strength this season, there have been too many letdowns, especially in right field. The little things add up as the Cubs continue to try to climb back to .500, sitting six games under following Tuesday’s 9-2 win against the Orioles.
While their double-play tandem up the middle features two Gold Glove winners, the Cubs’ outfield trio seemed to give them good coverage with Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger and Suzuki. However, Suzuki’s struggles on some routine fly balls remain a concerning trend in his third year with the Cubs.
Suzuki has committed three errors in right field this season while his minus-3 Outs Above Average is tied for 80th among 102 big-league outfielders.
His error on May 16 against Pittsburgh helped the Pirates add to their lead and contributed to Justin Steele being pulled after striking out the next hitter. Suzuki’s most costly mistake came on June 1 with two outs and the bases loaded against the Cincinnati Reds, when he failed to catch a routine fly ball resulting in four unearned runs, though he avenged the misplay in the bottom of the inning with a grand slam.
Three weeks later in San Francisco, Suzuki got turned around and failed to catch a deep fly ball. Although it was ruled a double, it prevented Steele from being able to finish the eighth and altered manager Craig Counsell’s approach to deploying the bullpen for the final outs.
Then, Friday’s miscue happened in the fourth inning to give the Angels their first base runner against Steele.
“It’s a routine play that should be made and should have been made,” Suzuki said through interpreter Toy Matsushita. “And so it’s just trying to improve on the next one.”
The problem for Suzuki and the Cubs is there have been too many “next ones” in the last three years. He hasn’t provided the consistency the Cubs expected when he signed with the organization in March 2022.
“As hard as it is, there’s a bunch of players that play out there in right field, and so whatever I say is going to be taken as an excuse,” Suzuki said. “So I think it’s just practicing and making sure I make those routine plays in right field, and that’s building my confidence. But as a guy who gets out there on defense every single day, I just want to make it easier for the guy on the mound.”
With Pete Crow-Armstrong on the roster and earning playing time, Suzuki has lately been the odd man out of the outfield rotation. When Crow-Armstrong starts in center field, Bellinger has typically started in right field while Suzuki is the Cubs’ designated hitter. Suzuki’s 19 games as their DH is already more than in the previous two years combined (six).
Suzuki told the Tribune last month he believes his first step and the way his body is moving isn’t bad, though he wondered if his glove positioning needs to be improved for fly balls.
“They’re routine plays, but when you’re out there, there’s a lot of eyes on you, a lot of pressure so it’s harder than it looks,” Suzuki said. “But when a pitcher makes a good pitch and we get some fly balls to the outfield, the pitcher probably thinks it’s going to be out most of the time and when it’s not, it’s going to be a toll on the pitcher. So, as an outfielder, you’ve got to make those plays and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
Third base coach Willie Harris works with the outfielders and said it’s all about reps and being comfortable.
“There’s nothing you can do about that mistake afterward,” Harris told the Tribune. “You learn from it, you turn the page, you move on. All of us are going to make mistakes in this game whether you’re a $30 million player or a $720,000 player. We’re all going to make mistakes, whether that be on the bases, whether that be me sending or holding a runner, whatever it is, we’ve just got to figure out a way to turn the page and figure out a way to win that ballgame.”
Suzuki has been known for how hard he personally takes on his mistakes or struggles. His self-criticism can impact confidence, and Harris’ job is, in part, to help boost a player when they might be feeling down in those moments. Harris knows Suzuki likes to laugh and joke around when he’s feeling most confident. Too much seriousness can put him out of his comfort zone.
Getting in pregame work hasn’t been an issue amid some of the defensive struggles. Harris knows he can suggest to Suzuki they get in some pregame reps in right field and the player will immediately reply, “What time?” Suzuki possesses the tools to be the consistent outfielder he showed he can be in Japan — but he must make the routine outs.
“Some of them were definitely surprising, a routine fly ball you’re expecting our guys to make those things, but you see some guys drop those balls around the league,” Harris said. “So, surprising for sure, but once you make that mistake, there’s nothing you can do about it afterward. I know your feelings are hurt. You’re embarrassed. You feel bad. You let your team down, but you have to move on.”
The bottom line is the Cubs need more from Suzuki in right field, otherwise he might continue to get more playing time as their DH as they try to find their best defensive alignments.
