Seiya Suzuki is back in Japan! And the spotlight couldn’t be brighter. The excitement remains palpable as the Chicago Cubs gear up for their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo. It’s been a while since Suzuki played in his home country; his last game in Japan was before he left the NPB in 2021. This moment, however, carries more weight than most.

The pressure of performing in front of a passionate home crowd is also a personal challenge. It’s something he can cherish for a long time. However, the challenge remains proving to himself that his MLB journey is just the beginning. Reflecting on the significance of the series, Suzuki acknowledges the expectations placed on him.

“Both of these teams have been playing together for a long time, so I am really looking forward to meeting those players again,” he said.

However, he also feels the weight of his performance. “Of course, I have some expectations, but if I don’t hit, I’m sure everyone will criticize me. So, I am a little worried,” he admitted. Despite the nerves kicking in, he remains focused on delivering a strong show and making full use of this opportunity.

Seiya Suzuki’s time in MLB has proven he is one of the league’s more underrated hitters, with a 129 wRC+ over his first three seasons. But this series holds even greater importance. This is his first chance to play in front of his home country since leaving NPB, where he was a five-time All-Star and a six-time Best Nine selection.

Now the pressure may be on, but with his talent and determination, it’s clear that Seiya Suzuki is ready to rise to the occasion.

MLB Tokyo Series 2025: Projected lineups for Dodgers vs. Cubs

The stage is set for a baseball spectacle unlike any other. All eyes will be on the Tokyo Dome, which will host the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19. The game promises to deliver the thrill of American baseball to Japan.

The Dodgers, coming off a dominant season, will bring their star-studded roster to Tokyo. Shohei Ohtani, arguably the face of baseball, will play his designated hitter role. On the other hand, Mookie Betts at shortstop, Freddie Freeman at first base, and Teoscar Hernandez at right anchor the lineup. Likewise, Max Muncy will take care of third base, and Tommy Edman will cover second. It promises to become an interesting contest with the talent shining on the field.

Dodgers fans can also look forward to the formidable pitching of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will take the mound in the first game, followed by the electric Roki Sasaki in the second.

On the other hand, for the Chicago Cubs, the 2025 season brings a new chapter with the addition of outfielder Kyle Tucker, who steps in to fill the void left by Cody Bellinger’s departure. A blend of seasoned players and rising stars, with each positioned strategically. Ian Happ will lead off in left field, with Kyle Tucker taking over in right. Seiya Suzuki will play in Japan for the first time since joining the MLB, serving as designated hitter.

Michael Busch will play first base, Jon Berti will play second, and Matt Shaw will play third. Dansby Swanson leads at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong takes center field. Shota Imanaga will take care of the pitching duties at first, while Justin Steele will start in the second game.

Now, it would be exciting to see the Cubs and Dodgers collide in Tokyo; a new chapter is set to begin with high stakes and even higher expectations.