Former Yokohama DeNA BayStars infielder Tyler Austin has reached a one-year, $1.25 million (approx. 190 million yen) agreement with the Chicago Cubs, plus performance incentives.
The move creates a thrilling reunion in Chicago, as Austin joins his former Yokohama teammate Shota Imanaga and former Hiroshima Carp star Seiya Suzuki.
Austin arrived in Japan in 2020 with a track record of 33 home runs over 209 MLB games. During his six seasons in Yokohama, he became a fan favorite and a dominant force, slashing .293 with 85 home runs and a massive .945 OPS over 403 games.
His 2024 campaign was legendary; he captured the Central League batting title with a .316 average and played a pivotal role in leading the BayStars to their first Japan Series championship in 26 years. After proving his health and elite power in NPB, the 34-year-old now returns to the Major Leagues to bolster the Cubs’ lineup.
https://npb.jp/bis/players/73375151.html
https://www.mlb.com/player/tyler-austin-592122
Yokosuka " Rainy " Johnny 