🚨In the latest edition of BCB After Dark, Cubs fans are buzzing with excitement as Seiya Suzuki’s 2026 season looms. The outfielder has made a strong impression in the World Baseball Classic, hitting two home runs in his first nine at-bats. While the competition hasn’t been the toughest, Suzuki’s confidence seems high, and Cubs fans can’t help but wonder: just how many home runs can we expect from him in 2026? 👇

A Strong Start to the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Seiya Suzuki’s performance in the World Baseball Classic has caught the attention of Cubs fans. In his three games, he’s hitting .333 with two home runs, five walks, and just one strikeout. Though the pitching he’s faced hasn’t been the most elite, Suzuki’s ability to stay disciplined and locked in at the plate has been a positive sign for the upcoming season.

The Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) system could be a game-changer for Suzuki, as Cubs fans have long believed that he’s been on the receiving end of more than his fair share of poor strike calls. If the ABS system works in his favor, Suzuki could turn more of those bad calls into walks and have additional opportunities to swing the bat. Some of those swings could lead to even more home runs.

Suzuki’s Home Run Progression in MLB
Looking at Suzuki’s numbers from his four seasons in MLB, it’s clear he’s steadily improved in terms of power. Here’s how his home run totals have stacked up:

• 2021: 14 HR in 446 plate appearances (3.1 HR percentage)

• 2022: 20 HR in 583 plate appearances (3.4 HR percentage)

• 2023: 21 HR in 585 plate appearances (3.6 HR percentage)

• 2024: 32 HR in 651 plate appearances (4.9 HR percentage)

Last year, Suzuki took a major leap forward, hitting 32 home runs. He significantly increased his home run-to-fly ball ratio, which could be seen as a fluke. However, Suzuki also made significant changes to his hitting approach, particularly in his pull rate. In 2024, Suzuki pulled the ball at a 33.7% rate, but that number surged to 41.7% last year, contributing to his power spike.

What to Expect in 2026: Will Suzuki Continue to Improve?
So, the burning question remains: how many home runs can we expect from Seiya Suzuki in 2026? With the improvements in his swing and the potential benefits from the ABS system, there’s a good chance Suzuki could build on the gains he made last year.

It’s possible that Suzuki could continue to grow as a power hitter, or there may be some regression to the mean. The power surge from 2025 could be difficult to sustain, but with Suzuki’s dedication and his ability to adjust his swing, there’s a chance he might take his game to the next level.

Injury Concerns and the Unknown Factor
As with any player, there’s always the risk of injury. Even if Suzuki plays as well as he did last season, an injury could significantly reduce his home run total. Injuries have a way of derailing the most promising of seasons, and that is something Cubs fans will hope to avoid for their star outfielder in 2026.

Predicting Suzuki’s Home Run Total for 2026
While it’s tough to predict exactly how many home runs Suzuki will hit, the signs are positive for another strong season. Based on his upward trajectory and the changes to his swing, a reasonable estimate for Suzuki’s home runs in 2026 might be between 28 and 35. This would allow for a slight regression from his breakout 2025 season while still accounting for the continued growth in his power.

Whether Suzuki hits more home runs, maintains his 2025 level of production, or faces setbacks, there’s little doubt that he will continue to be a key contributor to the Cubs’ lineup. Cubs fans should be excited about his potential for 2026.