The Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do this offseason. While there will be a focus on the starting rotation, with a lot of notable names hitting the open market, the outfield is a major area to consider as well.

Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, two beloved outfielders, are hitting free agency together. While Pete Crow-Armstrong will lock down center field, the Cubs are going to need to find out how to add to their corner outfield spots. Re-signing Suzuki could be in play.

But after a strong 2026 season, how much will Suzuki cost? According to a contract projection from ESPN's Kiley McDaniel, Suzuki is slated to get a strong four-year, $90 million contract this offseason that might make bringing him back difficult.

Cubs' Seiya Suzuki gets $90M contract projection.

"5. Seiya Suzuki, RF... Projected contract/QO: four years, $90 million (22.5 AAV), received QO," McDaniel projects.

After signing a five-year, $85 million deal with the Cubs coming out of NPB back in 2022, Suzuki now could be in line for a pay raise.

A $90 million contract over four years would be $5 million more total than he got on his initial deal, while also being a good amount more per-year, rising to a $22.5 million AAV.

After putting together another strong offensive season, Suzuki might've really boosted his contract value with his elite defense this past season. That strong offense and defense have him as one of the most appealing free agents this offseason.

Considering the league-wide need for right-handed hitters and Suzuki's strong defense in the outfield, his market is sure to be quite robust even though he will be 32 years old on Opening Day.

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The Cubs might have a hard time bringing him back, especially at this price tag, and especially considering all the investment they're going to need to make elsewhere on this roster.

Starting pitching and bullpen help are a must-have for the Cubs, and add in their outfield and catcher needs, it might get tricky to bring Suzuki back at this lofty price tag.

Suzuki's free agency will be a very interesting one, as plenty of contenders are sure to have a lot of interest. But after putting the qualifying offer on him, the Cubs do have the advantage when it comes to bringing Suzuki back.

They're going to try, and this $90M projection might be where the Cubs have to end up to bring Suzuki back for the foreseeable future.

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