Seiya Suzuki hits a home run in his first spring training game; Bregman debuts for the Cubs

In the final week of last regular season, Seiya Suzuki was the hottest hitter in the Cubs lineup. This power hitter also added three more home runs in October’s playoffs, establishing himself as one of Chicago’s most dangerous bats.

In today’s Cactus League spring training opener, Suzuki continued his strong form by blasting a fastball from White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon over the home run fence in the first inning.

“I hope he can hit 40 more like that from now until the end of the year,” said Cubs starter Jameson Taillon. “Not surprising at all. Suzuki is very strong; I think that pitch might have been a bit jammed, as he said himself. He’s powerful enough to send the ball out.”

“He looks really good. Honestly, all our hitters look great here, which is exciting. I know that will be our strength.”

Here’s a “fun fact”: Suzuki has hit eight home runs in his last 13 games (including the end of the 2025 regular season and playoffs). Although there was a long winter break in between and no definitive conclusions can be drawn, this is certainly a positive sign for a key contributor to the Cubs’ offense.

Suzuki will play another Cactus League game for the Cubs next Monday before heading to the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday. He will join the Japanese team in Tokyo, with Group C games starting on March 5. Since Suzuki will cover some center and right field duties for Japan, he also played that position in today’s game.

Naturally, White Sox new slugger Munetaka Murakami hit a deep fly ball to center field in the fourth inning. Suzuki retreated to the home run wall but stopped just short to protect himself, watching the sunlit ball drop for a double.

“(In center field) the visibility is good,” Suzuki said through translator Edwin Stanberry, “but could they do something about the sun? If they could move it a little, that would be great.”

Center field will be Pete Crow-Armstrong’s territory with the Cubs, while Suzuki is expected to primarily patrol right field after Kyle Tucker’s move to the Dodgers. With his 2025 season stats—32 homers, 31 doubles, 103 RBIs, .478 slugging percentage, and 130 OPS+ over 151 games—Suzuki should hold a central role in Chicago’s batting order.

Seiya Suzuki was thrilled to start spring training with a beautiful swing.

“At this stage of spring training, my focus is on trying to hit high-velocity pitches and making contact early,” Suzuki said. “I achieved that, so I’m very happy. My hitting feels good. I see the ball clearly, so no worries. I think the only challenge is enduring the long innings and seeing if my body can handle it.”

Bregman’s Cubs debut

When Alex Bregman’s name was announced before his first official at-bat for the Cubs, Sloan Park erupted with a standing ovation. The star third baseman had heard about the passionate atmosphere in Mesa but was still impressed.

“It definitely exceeded my expectations,” Bregman said.

Bregman joined the team after signing a five-year, $175 million contract in the offseason. Batting second and starting at third base for the North Division team, he went hitless in two at-bats but completed his first Cactus League game.

“It feels great to be here and play a spring training game for the Cubs,” Bregman said, who will join Team USA for the Classic later this spring. “It’s fun. Obviously, the energy in the stadium is awesome—super cool. A great start. Let’s keep it going.”