Could Cubs' Seiya Suzuki carry postseason momentum through WBC for a hot start to 2026?

MESA, Ariz. — Seiya Suzuki, set to play center field for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic this spring, has a couple goals when facing his Cubs teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong and Team USA.

“I want to see Pete throw a helmet,” Suzuki said through Japanese interpreter Edwin Stanberry. “And if he hits the ball to center field, I want to make sure I catch it and dance on it.”

The banter that characterized Suzuki and Crow-Armstrong’s home-run race last year has officially taken the international stage.