Suzuki also has a better approach at the plate than Castellanos, which would have been beneficial for Philadelphia in their National League Division Series matchup with the New York Mets. Suzuki swings at the first pitch only 13.1 percent of the time in his career, chases only 20.6 percent, and whiffs on only 22.9 percent of pitches.
In contrast, Castellanos refers to his plate appearances as "glorified batting practice." He swings at the first pitch 42.2 percent of the time in his career (51.1 percent in 2024), chases at a 36.4 percent rate, and whiffs on 30.3 percent of pitches. Over a full regular season, these differences can significantly impact a team's chances of winning.
Suzuki had a walk rate of 10.8 percent in 2024, ranking in the 80th percentile. Castellanos walked at only a 6.2 percent rate, ranking in the 22nd percentile.
The offensive upgrade Suzuki represents is evident, but there are off-field advantages to trading for him as well. Philadelphia has long aimed to enter the NPB international free agent market, even offering Yoshinobu Yamamoto the largest contract before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Having Suzuki, a former NPB star, could help in that market.
Having Suzuki on the roster could be beneficial if the team plans to pursue young phenom pitcher Roki Sasaki. Sasaki is considered one of the best pitchers available this winter, and having him in the rotation would help him adjust to MLB's demanding schedule.
If the Phillies are serious about contending for years to come, they need to do more than they have so far this offseason. So far, it's been all talk.
Trading Castellanos and acquiring Suzuki would significantly boost the team's offensive production. The fit is obvious, and the team has the trade assets to make it happen.
Fans are urging the front office, "Give us what we want!" It's now up to the front office to enhance the team so they can ask, "Are you not entertained?"
The Philadelphia Phillies have clearly stated their goal this offseason to enhance their outfield. This group recorded a combined .251/.309/.399 average in 2024, with 50 home runs and 218 RBIs over 1,890 plate appearances. With recent news from Chicago, fans are now eager for Seiya Suzuki.
Joel Sherman reported on Friday that the Chicago Cubs are "determined to trade either" Cody Bellinger or Suzuki to free up payroll space. Although Bellinger has been on the trade block since he chose not to exercise his opt-out, Suzuki's availability is unexpected. The Cubs face an outfield surplus with Ian Happ solidly in left and Pete Crow-Armstrong excelling in center, but Suzuki appeared to be their full-time designated hitter.
Many Cubs fans have voiced their opposition to trading Suzuki. Meanwhile, other teams' fans, including those of the Phillies, have taken to social media to express their desire for Suzuki to join their teams.
While Chicago has an outfield surplus, Philadelphia is facing a similar situation. Johan Rojas needs to play center field daily for his defense alone, and Brandon Marsh is excellent defensively in left field while providing above-average offensive production with a 117 OPS+ during his time with the Phillies.
The team has, however, expressed a desire to trade veteran right fielder Nick Castellanos this winter. Castellanos signed a five-year, $100 million contract with two years remaining, but he has underperformed in the first three years. From 2013 to 2021, before joining Philadelphia, Castellanos had a 116 OPS+. Since signing, he has posted a 105 OPS+ and has steadily declined at the plate.
With the Cubs looking to trade Suzuki to clear payroll, a direct swap involving Castellanos seems unlikely. Suzuki is under contract for the next two years at $19 million each, while Castellanos is under contract for the next two years at $20 million each. However, Suzuki would fit well with the Phillies, so let's assume the team moves Castellanos in another deal.
Suzuki joined the Cubs from the NPB before the 2022 season. He is two years younger than Castellanos and has spent the last three years with the Cubs, posting a 128 OPS+ during that time, clearly outperforming Castellanos's 105 mark.
Suzuki has hit .278/.354/.470 with 55 home runs and 193 RBIs over 1,614 plate appearances in 381 Major League games. Injuries have prevented him from playing 140 or more games in a season so far, but he did play 130 or more in each of the last two years.
In Major League Baseball, Suzuki has quietly been one of the better hitters. According to Baseball Savant, he added 28 points of offensive run value in 2024, ranking in the 93rd percentile.
He hit a career-high 21 home runs in 2024, slightly fewer than Castellanos's 23. However, if Suzuki played all his games at Citizens Bank Park, he would have hit 24 home runs. His right-handed swing, with an average launch angle of 12.8 degrees (16.2 in 2024), would be more effective at CBP than at Wrigley Field.
Sep 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) hits a single against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Phillies could address outfield with Seiya Suzuki trade
December 12, 2024
The Cubs outfielder is slated to make $19m the next two seasons.
Philly Sports Jawn
Jawn Kruk
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