Seiya Suzuki, of the Chicago Cubs, is gearing up for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which he describes as a 'festival.' As he prepares for the event starting on March 5, Suzuki has shown promising performance during training, hitting 14 home runs out of 47 swings during a batting practice session in Mesa, Arizona. His notable batting skills have developed since moving from Japan's Hiroshima Toyo Carp to Major League Baseball, where he continues to improve his performance each year.

Despite sharing the spotlight with his fellow Japanese player Shohei Ohtani, who has set numerous records, Suzuki has made his own mark in baseball history. Last season, he achieved impressive statistics, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 103 RBIs. This made him only the third Japanese player, following Hideki Matsui and Ohtani, to reach the milestone of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a single season. As a powerful hitter in Major League Baseball, Suzuki represents a dynamic force, excelling in a league known for its strong batting lineup.

Having played as a core member of 'Samurai Japan,' especially in the Tokyo Olympics where he earned a gold medal, Suzuki's prior experience is invaluable. He was set to play a pivotal role during the last WBC but faced a setback due to a left side injury right before the tournament. With this season being crucial as he enters the final year of his five-year contract with the Cubs, he admitted to having some hesitation about participating. However, he ultimately faced his desires and chose to don the Samurai Japan uniform once again, signifying his commitment to the team and the excitement of competing on an international stage.