Chicago Cubs announced this Thursday, December 18, the signing of first baseman Tyler Austin to a one-year contract worth 1.25 million dollars.
The 34-year-old player, who last played for the Grandes Ligas in 2019, comes from the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, where he accumulated impressive numbers in six seasons.
Austin will reunite with pitcher Shota Imanaga, his former Japão teammate, and will also play alongside Seiya Suzuki on the Cubs roster.
The signing represents a low-risk bet to reinforce the Chicago team’s bench in the 2026 season.
Trajectory from Tyler Austin to Grandes Ligas
Tyler Austin debuted in the MLB in 2016 for the New York Yankees.
That year, he made history by hitting a home run in his first at-bat appearance, immediately followed by Aaron Judge, in a league-first feat.
Between 2016 and 2019, it went through Yankees, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers.
In those four seasons, he posted a .219 batting average with 33 home runs and 91 RBIs in 209 games.
Outstanding performance in Japanese baseball
Austin joined the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in 2020.
In six years at NPB, he averaged .293, with 85 home runs and 236 RBIs.
- In 2024, he won the title of best hitter in the Liga Central with an average of .316.
- He participated in seasons with an OPS above .900 in years of higher production.
- He suffered from injuries in some years, limiting games played.
The player stood out for his hitting power and contributed to DeNA’s Japanese title in a recent period.
Details of the new contract with Cubs
The agreement provides for a base salary of $1.25 million, with possible additional incentives.
The signing occupies a spot on the Cubs’s 40-player roster.
Austin will primarily serve as a bench option, complementing Michael Busch at first base by batting from the right side.
The team sees potential for offensive production against left-handed pitchers.
Reunion with former Japanese companions
Shota Imanaga, who re-signed with Cubs, was Austin’s DeNA teammate for several years.
Seiya Suzuki, another Japanese member of the cast of Chicago, is also a member of the group.
This connection makes it easier for the veteran to adapt to returning to the MLB.
The Cubs seek balance in the lineup with this addition of international experience.
Expected role in the 2026 season
The Cubs prioritized pitching reinforcements this offseason, but are now adding depth on offense.
Austin offers versatility, with experience in the outfield as well.
The signing follows the trend of players revitalizing their careers after playing in the NPB or KBO.
If he remains healthy, he can contribute extra power by coming off the bench.
Context of the movement of Cubs
Chicago seeks to improve its performance after the previous season.
The team has already re-signed Imanaga and added relievers like Phil Maton and Hoby Milner.
The signing of Austin marks the first significant position player addition to the market.
The team is evaluating options for third base and other positions in the main lineup.
