The Los Angeles Dodgers rarely avoid the market for a productive veteran bat, and that is unlikely to change after their offense struggled during a four-game sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series.

Seiya Suzuki could give Los Angeles another opportunity to add a proven right-handed hitter this winter while the Chicago Cubs determine whether they can afford to retain him.

Suzuki, 32, is completing the last season of the five-year, $85 million contract he signed with Chicago in 2022. He hit .270 with 26 home runs, 86 RBIs, 96 runs scored and an .841 OPS in 143 games during 2026.

It was the most productive MLB season of his career and positioned him among the leading position-player options in a relatively thin free agent class.

Chicago also has outfielder Ian Happ approaching free agency. The Cubs are not expected to keep both veterans at full market value, potentially sending Suzuki into a market containing teams with considerably more payroll flexibility.

Suzuki could receive a contract worth approximately $150 million, comparable to the five-year, $162.5 million agreement Cody Bellinger signed with the New York Yankees.

Such a deal would more than double the guarantee Suzuki received upon arriving from Japan.

The Dodgers possess the financial resources to meet that price. They can also offer a cultural and roster fit that few organizations could match. Los Angeles already features Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.

Having established Japanese teammates, language support and a substantial Japanese fan base could carry considerable importance for Suzuki after spending his entire MLB career in Chicago.

Suzuki would provide another right-handed bat capable of playing right field or serving as the designated hitter. Los Angeles has several outfield prospects approaching MLB, making a mid-length agreement more appealing than an extended commitment.

He would not need to stand in the way of those younger players indefinitely. Suzuki could stabilize the middle of the lineup while the organization determines which prospects are prepared for permanent roles.

Suzuki’s disciplined approach would bring balance to an offense that became overly dependent on home runs.

Suzuki can extend at-bats, recognize pitches and force pitchers to work before finding something he can drive. That combination becomes particularly useful against elite postseason pitching.

He also brings experience handling substantial expectations and adjusting to MLB after arriving from Japan. His calm demeanor and familiarity with playing under attention could help him settle comfortably into a star-heavy Dodgers lineup.

There are legitimate concerns. Suzuki will turn 33 next August, his defense has improved without becoming a major asset, and a qualifying offer from Chicago would require the signing team to surrender a draft pick. Los Angeles also has a crowded roster.

Even so, Suzuki offers consistency, on-base ability and right-handed power. If the Dodgers want immediate offensive stability while their prospects continue developing, signing him away from Chicago would be a natural move.