Reports that Hiroshima Carp star Seiya Suzuki has agreed to sign with the Chicago Cubs instantly ratcheted up interest in the National League Central Division on Wednesday.
The deal, reported by Associated Press at $85 million for five years, would be the second biggest given to a Japanese player without MLB experience, trailing only Masahiro Tanaka's seven-year, $155 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2014.
Speaking at the Cubs' Arizona spring training facility, manager David Ross said the rumors were exciting.