The Seiya Suzuki sweepstakes have ended, and the Boston Red Sox don't have a winning ticket.
The highly-touted Japanese outfielder has agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 reported Wednesday.
UPDATE: Suzuki's deal is worth a total of $85 million over five years, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports.
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The Red Sox were considered a front-runner for Suzuki before Major League Baseball's lockout ended. He blasted 38 home runs with 88 RBIs and a .317 batting average in 132 games for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2021 while also winning a Gold Glove, and would have filled Boston's need for a power bat in the outfield following Hunter Renfroe's departure.
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Suzuki was believed to be nearing a deal with the San Diego Padres as of Monday, but reports suggested the Cubs, Red Sox and several other teams were still in the mix for the 27-year-old.
It appears Suzuki has finally made his decision, though, leaving Chaim Bloom and Co. to search for other options in free agency as Opening Day (April 7) approaches.
Boston Red Sox
Boston reportedly has interest in World Series MVP Jorge Soler, while the team was linked to All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman on Tuesday as well.