Who Is Tyler Austin?
Tyler Austin is an American professional baseball first baseman and outfielder who has played in MLB for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers, as well as in Japan’s NPB with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.[1]
Originally drafted by the Yankees and debuting in 2016, Austin established himself as a right-handed power bat, particularly effective against left-handed pitching, but he struggled to secure a permanent everyday role before departing for Japan to revitalize his career.[1]
Cubs Signing and Current Buzz
Recent reporting indicates that the Chicago Cubs and Tyler Austin have agreed to a one-year major league deal, bringing him back to MLB after a successful stint as a slugger in Japan.[1]
For the Cubs, Austin projects as a right-handed power option who can contribute at first base and designated hitter while providing lineup depth and matchup flexibility against left-handed pitching.[1]
Impact and What It Means
Austin’s return highlights a growing pattern of MLB clubs targeting players who reinvent themselves in NPB, using overseas performance as a meaningful data point for projecting future major league value.
If he converts his improved power and plate discipline from Japan to MLB success in Chicago, Austin could cement his role with the Cubs and further validate NPB as a pathway for mid-career breakouts seeking a second chance in the majors.