The Chicago Cubs were in the thick of the playoff hunt in the last couple of months of the 2023 season. It was a welcoming sight, as the years prior were tumultuous and painful. They could stay in the hunt as long as they did because the Cubs had Seiya Suzuki in their lineup.
In the last two months of 2023, Suzuki turned into everything the Cubs planned to receive when he signed here in 2022. He turned his numbers completely around, finishing with a .285 average, a .485 slug, and 20 home runs.
When he came to spring training camp last year, he was noticeably bulkier, raising some injury concerns (which proved right). This year, he came to camp lean and looked fantastic. It has translated to his performance, too. So far, he has a .316 average and an OPS of .907.
About a decade ago, it was understood that the biggest hitter in the lineup batter cleanup. That’s how it had always been. But as the game evolves, so too does the thinking behind it. In 2024, managers are putting their best hitters in the lineup’s second spot. And of late, Cubs Manager Craig Counsell has liked Suzuki in that role.
Seiya Suzuki Thriving Batting Second In Cubs’ Lineup
In 2023, former Cubs Manager David Ross loved batting Nico Hoerner leadoff, Dansby Swanson second, and Ian Happ third. We are already seeing Craig Counsell switching things up. Before his hamstring ailment, Happ was starting to lead off more in the Cubs’ lineup. Hoerner has as well but has been tried in other places, too. Swanson has been in the cleanup role and fifth a few different times.
However, Seiya Suzuki has been in the second spot in his last couple of starts. As recent as Thursday, he went 2-3 with a run batted in. He’s proving to be able to find the grass as regularly as anyone in the league, which is what you want from the second batter in the lineup. If he can carry this over into the regular season, Suzuki can make opposing starting pitchers have to work hard early and help give the Cubs an early advantage.
The Direction The Cubs’ Lineup May Be Headed
Ian Happ does a great job of working the count, finding his walks, and getting on base. He doesn’t have great speed to rack up stolen bases, but the game had to change rules and regulations to find value in that again. Happ would be a great leadoff hitter if he can regain his health.
Seiya Suzuki should be batting second in the Cubs’ lineup. If he continues what he is doing now, he will put at least one in scoring position when the number three hitter comes to the plate. After the two-spot come a whole plethora of options, including Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger, Christopher Morel, Dansby Swanson, and Michael Busch. Any one of those five could find themselves batting anywhere from third to seventh. That shows just how dangerous this lineup could be – if all cylinders are firing.
Nice article Tommy! I’m super interested in who becomes our next Dexter Fowler. I’ve always wanted Madrigal to take that spot since the cubs got him but he just hasn’t turned that corner. Nico is ok and I just can’t get behind Happ there at all. My wish now though has been PCA. I would love to see him turn his bat and confidence into that lead off spot! Him on base making the pitcher and catcher worry I feel could turn into them just giving him second everytime he gets on!😂