MLB Rumors: Multiple Teams Linked To Japanese Outfielder Amid Lockout

With the MLB still on lockout, no deals can be done.

However, that will not stop the trade rumor mill from buzzing with the name of Seiya Suzuki allegedly drawing huge interest from several teams.

The 27-year-old Japanese reportedly has multiple offers on the table and there is no telling which MLB team will win his signature.

Among the teams linked to the Japanese baseball player include the San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners.

According to multiple reports, both teams are huge favorites to sign Suzuki once work stoppage ends.

However, there are other teams in the mix as well. That includes the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres according to Nikkan Sports.

The chase for Suzuki is hardly surprising. He has proven his stock, one of the most productive hitters in Nippon Professional Baseball during his nine-season career.

He has amassed a .309/.402/.541 slash line to go with 189 home runs and 102 stolen bases. CBS Sports also ranks him as the 15th best free agent in the offseason back in November.

Also, comparisons were made to Suzuki. He was seen to have similarities to Bryce Harper and Pete Alonso, basically because he hits the ball hard and makes a good amount of contact.

He also seldomly swings at balls and has an optimized launched angle based on the analysis made by CBS Sports.

Regardless of where he ends up, Suzuki would become the first NPB hitter outside of Shohei Ohtani to make a successful transition in some time.

Despite the growing interest in Suzuki, the next question is how much money MLB teams will dangle to the Japanese outfielder.

Critics feel that the failures of Shogo Akiyama and Yoshi Tsutsugo could be telling.

But considering there are multiple MLB teams after his signature, it could turn out to be a bidding war with the most lucrative pitch winning out.