The Chicago Cubs signed first baseman Tyler Austin to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, the club announced Thursday.
Austin, 34, returns to Major League Baseball after spending the past six seasons with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. The move adds a veteran bat with proven power to Chicago's lineup as the team continues to address offensive needs this offseason.
NPB Success
Austin found immediate success in Japan after leaving MLB following the 2019 season. He posted a .969 OPS with 20 home runs over 65 games in his first NPB season in 2020.
Over six seasons with the BayStars, Austin slashed .293/.377/.568 with 85 home runs across 1,491 plate appearances. His production in Japan demonstrated the power potential that originally made him a prospect with the New York Yankees.
MLB Background
The Yankees selected Austin out of high school in the 13th round of the 2010 draft. He made his Major League debut in 2016 and showed flashes of power during his time in the big leagues.
Austin hit 17 home runs in 69 games between the Yankees and Minnesota Twins in 2018, demonstrating legitimate power potential. However, strikeouts proved problematic throughout his MLB career, as he posted a 36.9% strikeout rate over four seasons.
After brief stints with the Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers from 2018-19, Austin headed to Japan to continue his professional career.
Durability Questions
Austin appeared in more than 100 games during an NPB season only twice over his six years in Japan, raising some durability concerns. His ability to stay healthy will be a key factor in his ability to contribute to the Cubs' lineup.
Offseason Context
The Austin signing represents Chicago's first significant offensive addition of the winter. The Cubs have primarily focused on pitching to this point, re-signing starter Shota Imanaga and adding relievers Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, and Caleb Thielbar.
Chicago is working to replace the production of right fielder Kyle Tucker, who is considered the top hitter on the free-agent market. Tucker posted an .841 OPS with 22 home runs in 136 games for the Cubs last season before hitting free agency.
The Cubs have been connected in rumors to third baseman Alex Bregman and reportedly met with first baseman Pete Alonso before he signed with the Baltimore Orioles. The team continues to explore options to strengthen the lineup heading into 2026.
Low-Risk Move
At $1.25 million for one year, the Austin signing represents a low-cost gamble for Chicago. If the veteran can translate his NPB success back to the major leagues and stay healthy, he could provide valuable depth and power off the bench or in a platoon role.
Austin hasn't appeared in the majors in six years, but his consistent production in Japan suggests he still has the ability to contribute at the MLB level. The Cubs are betting that his time overseas has refined his approach while maintaining the power that made him a prospect over a decade ago.