Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki and manager Craig Counsell are working on their communication during spring training

During batting practice on Saturday morning, Cubs manager Craig Counsell watched a few rounds at the team’s backfields. After Seiya Suzuki stepped out of the cage for a few minutes, Counsell headed over and chatted with the outfielder.

In the opener, the Cubs put up 12 runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They followed that with seven runs in their second game against Los Angeles. Chicago then scored seven runs against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday and six runs versus the Texas Rangers on Sunday. In total, the Cubs have scored 32 runs in their four games played.

Cubs staff, fans, and members of the press watch Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga throw in a live batting practice during spring training at Sloan Park on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Since his initial batting practice with the Chicago Cubs during his first spring training three years ago, Seiya Suzuki’s easy power has always been on display. For as much as Suzuki prides himself on being a complete all-around player,

"Sometimes, the language barrier makes you lazy, unfortunately," Counsell said. "That’s on me. I got to get way better at that. And will."

“I feel like last year [manager Craig Counsell and I] could have had better communication,” Suzuki said through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. “So going into this year, I feel like we’re improving upon that — and then communicate better during the season.”

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MESA, Ariz. — Seiya Suzuki is working on his communication with Craig Counsell, and the manager says it's his fault. Suzuki joined the rest of the Chicago Cubs for their first full-squad workout ...

MESA, Ariz. — Since his initial batting practice with the Chicago Cubs during his first spring training three years ago, Seiya Suzuki’s easy power has always been on display. For as much as ...

Since his initial batting practice with the Chicago Cubs during his first spring training three years ago, Seiya Suzuki’s easy power has always been on display.