Seiya Suzuki’s Effortless Power: The Swing That Could Win Him the RBI Title

A clean “入” character

27 home runs, 86 RBIs—

Midway through the season, Seiya Suzuki (31) of the Cubs is already posting career highs in two key batting categories in just his fourth year in the majors (as of August 19). In particular, his RBIs rank 4th in the National League, giving him a shot at a title. Takashi Kawamura, a professor at the University of Tsukuba’s School of Health and Physical Education and a specialist in motion analysis, explains:

“When Suzuki first moved to the majors, he seemed to have bulked up, perhaps to stand up to American power pitchers. Looking at his form then, he relied a bit too much on strength, and you could see more mishits. This season, he’s shed that unnecessary force, and his bat is coming through the zone much more smoothly.”

Let’s compare photos of his swing form from this season and from 2023, as we hear Kawamura’s detailed analysis.

This season’s swing ①

2023 swing ①

“At the initial movement in ①, the bat this season floats a little away from his head. In 2023, it was closer. With the arms tense, the bat head naturally pointed toward the pitcher.”

② is also worth noting for the bat’s position.

“This season, the swing starts from closer to the body, allowing power to transfer smoothly into the bat. In 2023, it looks a bit farther away. The more distance between the body and bat, the more the swing takes a roundabout path, making the trajectory unstable.”

This season’s swing ②

2023 swing ②

At impact (③), Suzuki’s improvements this season are especially clear.

“This year, his upper body and legs form a clean 入 ( enter ) shape. That shows he’s supporting himself well with his back and glute muscles. Because his upper body leans back, the swing angle is slightly upward, giving the ball more lift and distance.

In the comparison frame below, his body looks tense, so the 入 shape is stretched vertically and feels cramped. His upper body tilt is smaller, meaning he can’t bring the bat up from below. The result is more of a level, parallel-to-the-ground swing that doesn’t transfer power to the ball as effectively.”

This season’s swing ③

2023 swing ③

There’s also a noticeable difference in body arch at ④.

“This season, the line from his upper body down to his left leg shows a clear angle. He maintains the ‘入’ shape from ③, allowing him to get the ball to ride smoothly on the bat. In 2023, that same line shows little angle—almost upright—making it harder to put lift on the ball.”

This season’s swing ④

2023 swing ④

What about the finish?

“Looking at ⑤, this season he’s relaxed, allowing him to swing the bat fully through. In the 2023 swing, the finish is shorter. This difference also shows up in the distance the ball travels.”

This season’s swing ⑤

2023 swing ⑤

What kind of numbers might Suzuki post this season?

“He slumped in the summer, but if he rebounds, he could reach close to 40 home runs and 100 RBIs. Winning the RBI crown isn’t out of the question.”

Having already logged two straight seasons of 20+ homers and 70+ RBIs, Suzuki continues to evolve with his ultra-relaxed swing.

From “FRIDAY”, September 5, 2025, issue