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Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs walks to the dugout during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on March 30, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs are set to begin their 2026 MLB season on March 26 against the Washington Nationals. With under a week until Opening Day, there have been questions about the status of star outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

Suzuki suffered a sprained PCL in his right knee while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

A new update has been shared from Cubs manager Craig Counsell revealing his status for the first game of the season against the Nationals.

As shared by Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Chicago will not have its star outfielder on the field for Opening Day. He could end up beginning the season on the injured list, although that decision has not been made yet.

“Seiya Suzuki, who’s dealing with a right knee injury, will not be ready for Opening Day, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said,” Mooney reported on X. “The club has not yet decided whether Suzuki will start the season on the injured list, but it appears to be trending in that direction.”

What Are the Chicago Cubs Missing with Seiya Suzuki Out?

Heading into the 2026 MLB season, the Cubs have big goals in mind of winning a World Series. At least for now, they are considered a top-tier contender.

Suzuki will be a big part of those hopes.

Last season with Chicago, Suzuki played in 151 games. He hit 32 home runs to go along with 103 RBI, while also slashing .245/.326/.478. Those numbers made for a career-best season for the 31-year-old outfielder.

In order for the Cubs to have a shot at winning the World Series this season, they are going to need a healthy Suzuki on the field. When he’s swinging the bat well, he is a legitimate star. Thankfully, the injury isn’t something that will keep him out long-term.

Whether they have him within the first couple weeks of the season or not, the goal will be to have him healthy and firing on all cylinders come postseason time.

Who Will Step in To Replace Suzuki in His Absence?

Bruce Levine of The Score has reported that Matt Shaw will likely start in Suzuki’s place.

“I think [Shaw] does play opening day, if Seiya’s not in the lineup,” Levine said on Friday. “But I think we’re going to hear that Seiya… I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t go on the IL over the weekend.”

He also shared an update on Suzuki’s progress in his recovery from the PCL strain.

“He’s made some really good progress from the injury, and you know, structurally, we know there’s nothing wrong with his knee,” Levine said. “It’s just about, you know, returning from a horribly bruised knee, but he’s coming along.”

Shaw was replaced at third base by star free agency addition Alex Bregman. He will play a super utility role this season and will still be an important part of the team’s defense and lineup despite not having an every day position.

Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey