Grumble. This is the way the rumors had started to shift over the last 24 hours, what with his longgggg visit with the Padres and some reports out of Japan that suggested it was coming. Still. I had hopes for the Cubs.
Sounds like Seiya Suzuki is headed to the Padres:
Exercise caution. This could also take a while, and it could go another way.
As much as any year, this market is volatile.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 14, 2022
The reports out of Japan have suggested it’s a done deal already, so it might be that it’s just a matter of the Padres wanting to set up an official introduction opportunity before word breaks. This could further explain Nelson Cruz’s decision to sign with the Nationals last night – maybe he was told the Padres were going in another direction. But, I guess we’ll see. Not official yet (and that second update from Acee makes you wonder if he got a heads up that his first tweet jumped the gun?).
As for the Padres’ payroll situation, I guess we’ll see if this news comes paired with an Eric Hosmer and/or Wil Myers contract trade (which is where the Cubs could slide in). Could be cold comfort.
UPDATE: Not so fast my friends:
Despite reports, sources say Seiya Suzuki has not yet chosen a team. Padres are firmly in the mix, but other teams remain in the hunt, too.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 14, 2022
Seiya Suzuki hasn’t chosen a team yet, I’m told. 6 to 7 teams still under consideration.
— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) March 14, 2022
Now I really do think that Acee must’ve heard something positive, went with it, and then someone else gave him a ring to tell him to pump the brakes.
Just to confirm the Cubs are still one of those involved teams:
While the Padres are in hard on all-around OF talent Seiya Suzuki, word is all these teams remain in the running: Dodgers, Red Sox, Giants, Mariners, Cubs, more.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 14, 2022