Seiya Suzuki's offensive production has surged this season, evident by his career-high 22 home runs and increased aggressiveness at the plate, making him a strong bet for prop bets and home run markets. This change enhances the Cubs' lineup, indicating potential advantages for punters favoring Chicago in upcoming games.
What is notable about Seiya Suzuki's game is the massive jump in his power production this season. His overall production remains similar to previous years, but Suzuki has already hit 22 home runs, establishing a new career high.
Manager Craig Counsell commented, "Seiya’s been a really good offensive player. He’s been among the top 20 hitters in the league before, and I think we’re seeing that again this year. We’re seeing some more home runs this year, that’s what’s a little different. That’s resulting in more RBIs and things like that."
At 69 RBI, he’s five shy of matching his previous high. The Cubs were initially interested in Suzuki due to his strong offensive characteristics, including hitting the ball hard, maintaining low swing-and-miss rates, and avoiding pitches outside the strike zone. Suzuki remains above average in these departments and is excelling in hard-hit rate and chase rates.
This season, there has been a clear change in Suzuki’s approach. Previously noted as passive, this version of Suzuki is much more assertive and powerful at the plate. His adjustments include attacking early in the count. Suzuki's first-pitch swing percentage has risen to a career-high 16.1 percent, still low by league standards but nearly three points above his previous high.
Overall, he is swinging more often, with a career-high rate of 41.8 percent. Although these changes might seem subtle, they illustrate a shift in Suzuki’s mindset, especially when pitchers fall behind in the count. He boasts a 1.409 OPS when ahead, with significant success on 2-0 counts, swinging 62.2 percent of the time compared to 45.6 percent in previous seasons and achieving a 1.091 OPS in such situations.
Besides aggression, Suzuki is hitting the ball harder this season, contributing to his power boosts. Manager Counsell noted, “He’s hitting the ball hard and getting the ball in the air a little better.” His average exit velocity has increased to 92.7 mph, with a two-degree rise in launch angle to 18.3. His ground-ball rate stands below 30 percent for the first time, making it the fourth-lowest mark in baseball.
Perhaps most notably, his barrel rate has jumped 7.5 percentage points to 18.9 percent, placing him seventh in baseball. With a .283 ISO, he’s now eighth overall, showcasing his transition from a strong hitter to an elite power bat, joining ranks with heavyweights like Kyle Schwarber.
As the Cubs' lineup evolves with Kyle Tucker’s addition alongside Suzuki’s heightened production, they have developed into one of the most formidable offenses in baseball, presenting promising betting opportunities for punters in upcoming matchups.
Suzuki has provided the Cubs with another feared bat in a lineup that has proven to be one of the best in baseball.
Theathleticuk
