Tyler Austin Returns to MLB: A Comeback Story with the Chicago Cubs
Former New York Yankees prospect Tyler Austin is back in Major League Baseball (MLB) after a successful stint in Japan. His recent signing with the Chicago Cubs on a one-year deal worth $1.25 million, plus incentives, marks an exciting chapter in his career. Austin’s journey back to the majors is compelling, revealing the evolution of a player once labeled by GM Brian Cashman as a “mega prospect.”
Journey Through NPB: A Resurgence in Japan
Austin, now 34, spent the last six years playing in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars, where he became one of the league’s most potent hitters. Here’s a breakdown of his impressive NPB stats:
- Batting Average: .293
- On-base Percentage: .377
- Slugging Percentage: .568
- Home Runs: 85
- RBIs: 236
In 2024, he achieved his best season yet, leading the NPB in batting average at .316 and OPS at .983, while finishing third in home runs with 25. Notably, that same season, he suffered a quirky injury while changing his jersey, highlighting the unpredictability of the sport.
Austin’s performance since 2020, with three seasons averaging a slugging percentage of .600 or better, is unmatched in NPB, eclipsing even prominent slugger Munetaka Murakami.
Austin’s Perspective on Playing in Japan
Reflecting on his time in Japan, Austin shared in a 2023 essay for The Players’ Tribune:
"Baseball fans all across Japan are incredible! They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen or experienced before in all my years in baseball."
Austin credits former Yankee teammate Masahiro Tanaka for encouraging his move to Japan, which proved to be a pivotal decision in rejuvenating his career.
A Rocky Start in the MLB
Austin’s path in the MLB has been rocky. Drafted in the 13th round by the New York Yankees in 2010, he spent six years in the minors before finally debuting on August 13, 2016—the same day as Aaron Judge. In a remarkable twist, both players hit back-to-back home runs in their first MLB at-bats.
Struggles and Growth
Despite the buzz surrounding Austin, his MLB career initially did not meet expectations. He recorded a career batting average of .219 with 33 home runs and 91 RBIs over 209 games. Following a trade to the Minnesota Twins as part of a deal for veteran pitcher Lance Lynn, Austin struggled to make a lasting impact.
His stint included:
- Designated for Assignment: After limited success, he was DFA’d in April 2019.
- Brief Tenure: Played for the San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers later that season.
- International Success: Competed remarkably with Team USA during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, foreshadowing his success in Japan.
The Future with the Chicago Cubs
As Tyler Austin gears up for a fresh start with the Chicago Cubs, both fans and analysts are eager to see how his international experience translates back to the majors. His comeback story serves as a reminder of resilience and the unpredictable nature of baseball.
Key Takeaways
- Contract Details: One-year, $1.25 million contract with the Cubs.
- NPB Highlight: Led NPB in batting average and OPS in 2024.
- Historical Context: Made MLB debut alongside Aaron Judge, hitting back-to-back homers.
For those interested in following Tyler Austin’s career, keep an eye on the Chicago Cubs this season as they hopefully provide the platform for him to showcase his impressive talents honed abroad.
For more insights on player statistics in NPB and MLB, check out Baseball Reference and stay updated on Austin’s journey back to greatness!
