Seiya Suzuki’s Injury Update: What Does His Knee Ligament Damage Mean for the Cubs?

Seiya Suzuki / Photo=Getty Images

[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu] Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, who was injured during the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), has been diagnosed with a minor right knee ligament injury.

According to the Associated Press, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on the 18th (Korean time), ahead of the Cubs’ 2026 spring exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, that \”Suzuki underwent tests, including an MRI, after returning, and the scans revealed a minor ligament injury to his knee.\”

Counsell added that the club will monitor Suzuki’s recovery this week before deciding whether to place him on the injured list (IL).

Suzuki was hurt on the 15th during the WBC quarterfinal against Venezuela. He attempted to steal second in the first inning, appeared to injure himself as he was tagged out and showed signs of pain.

He limped back to the dugout and was immediately removed from the game. Japan went on to lose 5-8, making Suzuki’s injury-related exit even more disappointing.

After the tournament, Suzuki rejoined the Cubs’ Arizona spring camp, but further testing confirmed ligament damage, and he is expected to be sidelined for the near term.

Suzuki signed with the Cubs via the posting system in 2022 on a five-year, $85 million (approximately 113.3 billion KRW) contract.

In four major-league seasons, Suzuki appeared in 532 games, batting .269 with 87 home runs, 296 RBIs and an .818 OPS.

In the WBC — including his multi-homer game against South Korea — Suzuki hit .333 (3-for-9) with two home runs, five RBIs and six walks.

[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
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