CHICAGO – With only days left before the official start of the 2026 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs received unexpected bad news: Seiya Suzuki – one of their most important offensive players – will not recover in time to play in Opening Day.
The information was confirmed by Head Coach Craig Counsell, immediately disrupting the Cubs’ preparations. But what makes things even more tense… is that the next decision has yet to be made.
According to Counsell, Suzuki is not in the necessary fitness to play when the season begins. However, the Cubs are still considering:
Skipping him for the first few games
Or placing him on the Injured List (IL) from the start of the season
The team has until Wednesday to make a final decision.
This is a crucial detail, because if Suzuki is placed on the IL for 10 days, the Cubs will gain an extra spot on the roster – but it also means he will definitely be out for a longer period.
Suzuki is more than just a name on the roster. He’s been one of the Cubs’ most consistent offensive threats in recent seasons.
In the 2025 season, the Japanese player continued to show impressive form:
Consistent average hitting, good base presence, and especially strength in the middle line.
He was frequently positioned at position 2 or 3 – a link between the top line and the sluggers behind him.
Losing Suzuki, even for just a few games, would be enough to disrupt the Cubs’ entire offensive system.
Coach Craig Counsell now faces a difficult dilemma.
If Suzuki doesn’t play, the Cubs will be forced to:
Reshuffle batting order; Move young or reserve players to higher positions; and Adjust offensive strategy from the start of the season.
Players like Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Christopher Morel may have to shoulder additional responsibility.
But the issue isn’t just about the players – it’s about stability.
Opening Day isn’t just the first game.
It’s where the rhythm for the entire season is set.
The biggest question right now: Should the Cubs include Suzuki in the IL?
If NOT included in the IL:
Suzuki could return sooner (in a few days)
But the Cubs would have to play with one less player on the roster in the short term.
If included in the IL:
The Cubs would have an extra replacement slot
But Suzuki would definitely be out for at least 10 days.
This isn’t just a medical decision – it’s a strategic one.
A wrong decision could affect the early season series – a crucial stage in the playoff race.
The 2026 NL Central is predicted to be one of the most competitive regions.
The Cardinals are undergoing a significant rejuvenation.
The Brewers are always a tough opponent.
And the Reds possess a roster of promising young players.
In that context, the Cubs don’t have much “room” to start slowly.
The absence of Suzuki from the start of the season could cost them an advantage in an already very close race.
The only positive: Suzuki isn’t suffering from a serious long-term injury.
The fact that he “only” missed Opening Day suggests the situation isn’t too serious. But in top-level sports, especially MLB with its packed schedule, even minor issues can become chronic if not handled properly.
The Cubs therefore must be cautious.
In the short term, the Cubs could:
Use platooning (rotating players) in Suzuki’s position
Push some hitters higher up the lineup
And focus on pitching to reduce offensive pressure
But in the long term, they need Suzuki back as soon as possible – not just for his form, but for the team’s balance.
Opening Day always brings expectations, excitement, and new beginnings.
But for the Chicago Cubs, the 2026 season will begin with a big question mark.
Seiya Suzuki – a key star – is absent.
A difficult decision lies ahead.
And the whole team must adapt… immediately.
In a season where every win can decide the fate, the Cubs understand:
They don’t have much time to wait.
