The Chicago Cubs signed Tyler Austin to a free agent deal, bringing back a former MLB player who’s been tearing up Japanese baseball for the past five years.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news Thursday afternoon. It’s a move that came out of nowhere – Austin’s name hadn’t surfaced in any offseason chatter until now.
But here’s why this signing makes sense:
Austin was a legitimate power prospect in the Yankees system years ago and even represented Team USA in the Olympics. More importantly, he’s been absolutely raking in Japan with a .945 OPS over five seasons. That’s the kind of production that translates.
The Cubs clearly see multiple ways Austin can help. Michael Busch is their left-handed hitting first baseman, which makes Austin a natural platoon partner from the right side. Austin’s also got MLB experience in the corner outfield, so he could provide depth with Kyle Tucker no longer in the picture.
Then there’s the DH spot. Austin could slot in there and prove he belongs back in the majors without the defensive pressure.
What makes this different is how quietly it came together. The Cubs must’ve been tracking Austin’s interest in returning stateside while everyone else was focused on the bigger names. Smart scouting work.
Now it’s on Austin to show that his Japanese success wasn’t just a product of different competition. At 31, this might be his last real shot to stick in the majors. The Cubs are giving him that chance.
