Cubs' Tyler Austin to make MLB comeback after six seasons in Japan

Chicago Cubs Make Historic Reunion with Tyler Austin After Six-Year Japan stint

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Chicago Cubs have signed first baseman and outfielder Tyler Austin to a one-year deal, marking his MLB comeback after six seasons in Japan. The 34-year-old's decision to return to the states comes as no surprise, given his personal desire to play every day and prove himself.

Austin's journey began with the New York Yankees back in 2010, where he was drafted out of high school in the 13th round. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a spot on the major league team at just 26 years old. However, it wasn't long before his prospects took a hit, as injuries and inconsistent performances led to him bouncing around the league.

It was then that Austin made the bold decision to take a leap of faith and sign with Nippon Professional Baseball's Yokohama DeNa BayStars. The move proved to be a masterstroke, as he thrived in Japan, posting a .945 OPS over six seasons. He significantly reduced his swing-and-miss rate and developed into a more well-rounded player.

Despite his success in Japan, Austin struggled with injuries, including three surgeries that limited him to just 94 games between 2022 and 2023. However, he bounced back strongly in 2024, raising hopes that he might still have a future at the highest level.

When asked about his decision to join the Cubs, Austin was characteristically humble and grateful for the opportunity. "To be completely honest with you, it was back and forth," he said. "But I have to admit, having my family in the stands again was a big factor."

The move has sent ripples through the baseball world, as reclamation stories like Austin's become increasingly common. With the Cubs looking to bolster their bench, Austin's signing is seen as a savvy move by manager Craig Counsell.

Austin will get his first taste of life as a Cub when he makes his debut at the team's Convention on January 16-18. Though he's familiar with some of his new teammates from matchups in Japan, he'll have to get to know many of them better. As for his role, the coaching staff hasn't yet discussed it.

For now, Austin is focused on leaving everything on the field and making a positive impact on the team. "I'm going over there to leave it all out on the field like I have my whole career," he said with conviction.

Just saw this news about Tyler Austin coming back to the MLB , I mean, six years in Japan? That's some serious dedication! He totally crushed it out there and proved himself as a player , now it'll be interesting to see how he adjusts to life back in the states . The Cubs definitely made a smart move signing him up, I'm curious to see what role he'll play for the team . Bring on January 16th!

Tyler Austin's comeback story just got more interesting. I mean, who wouldn't want to play in the MLB after thriving in Japan? His .945 OPS is crazy, and it's awesome that he was able to reduce his swing-and-miss rate. However, 6 surgeries should be a major concern for anyone. How will he hold up physically?

The fact that he's getting another shot at the MLB is great for him, but I'm curious to see how it'll play out with the Cubs. Craig Counsell must have seen something in him that makes this signing worth the risk . Will Austin be able to live up to expectations? We'll just have to wait and see. ️

so yeah i was thinking about this news and i gotta say its kinda amazing how tyler austin is getting another shot at mlb after playing in japan for 6 years his stats are insane btw .945 ops is crazy high for an outfielder. imo it just goes to show that you can always get a second chance if u take care of ur body and work on ur game

also i love how humble he seems about it, talking about having his family in the stands again its all about being grateful for the opportunities we have. cant wait to see him play for the cubs this season! ️

So I think this is a big deal for the Cubs, but also kinda expected. I mean, they need some fresh faces in their lineup and Austin brings some much-needed power. He's had a great run in Japan, and it's awesome that he gets to bring that experience back to the States. The fact that he's willing to take a chance on himself again is really admirable - it takes a lot of guts to keep going after struggling with injuries.

I'm also curious to see how his dynamic will play out with Craig Counsell's coaching staff. They seem like they're trying to get the most out of him, which is great. And I love that he's focused on leaving everything on the field - that's exactly what you want from your players.

One thing that might interest fans is how Austin fits into the team's overall strategy. Will he be a starter or platoon guy? How will his experience in Japan help him navigate the MLB season? Those are questions we'll have to wait and see, but I'm excited to find out!

just saw this lol tyler austin is back! i remember when he was playing in japan, dude was killing it i think its awesome that he's getting another shot at the big leagues, hope he can stay healthy and make a real impact on the cubs

ty for sharing this news he's been thru so much in japan & now im hoping he can bring some that magic back to chicago 6 yrs is a long time but i think he's still got it just gotta get healthy first & then watch out world ️

man i love this dude's story ! six years in japan, crushing it, and now he's back with the cubs. gotta respect his grind . injuries can be tough to overcome, but he bounced back hard in 2024. glad to see him getting another shot at the big leagues. hope he makes a big impact for the cubs this season

omg i am literally so hyped about this news!!! tyler austin's comeback story is seriously one of the most inspiring things ive ever seen!! six years in japan and he still manages to thrive in the mlb, proves that you can never truly be done with baseball. and the fact that he's joining the cubs at 34 is just pure genius on their part they're getting a seasoned vet who knows what it takes to get it done on the big stage.

i gotta say, i'm loving how humble and grateful tyler is about this whole thing too "having my family in the stands again" is literally all it took for him to make the decision. that's what it's all about at the end of the day - family, teammates, and the love of the game.

anyway, i'm so down for this reunion!! let's see tyler bring some fireworks to wrigley field

Can't believe Tyler Austin is back in the States! He's been killing it in Japan, no doubt about it . Six years in Nippon Professional Baseball and still putting up impressive numbers . It's awesome that the Cubs are giving him a shot to prove himself again. The bench is looking pretty stacked with this signing . Austin's humility is really admirable too, being thankful for his family being in the stands . Now it'll be interesting to see how he adapts to the US game after such an extended stint abroad .

so i was watching this game last year and tyler austin was killing it in japan , i mean .945 ops is insane! but what's crazy is how many times he got knocked back in the states . six years in japan and he just came back to us for one year? feels like he had his chance over there . anyway, gotta respect the dude for trying again and putting it all on the field . i'm curious to see how he'll fit in with the cubs now...

omg can you believe tyler austins comeback story , six years in japan and still killing it . i mean its not every day u see someone who bounces back from a slump like that. he's gotta be super motivated 2 prove himself all over again . the cubs r making some smart moves by signing him, their bench is def gonna get a boost with auytin on board . btw, i remember when austins was drafted in 2010 and u couldnt help but think he's got big things ahead of him . now hes older n wiser, but still hungry 4 success .

The Chicago Cubs just signed Tyler Austin after 6 years in Japan . Dude was killing it over there, btw! He reduced his swing-and-miss rate and became a more well-rounded player . It's kinda surprising he's coming back to the US, but I guess he wants to play every day and prove himself . The Cubs are getting a great signing, imo . Austin is gonna be a big factor in their bench and it'll be cool to see him make his debut . Bring on January 16th-18th!

This signing by the Cubs is really interesting, reminds me of the US economy's comeback story . You know how Austin took a chance and went to Japan, it's kinda like when Obama came back to the States after his stint in Europe . People thought he was done, but then he made a comeback, just like Tyler Austin did! And let's not forget, the Cubs are trying to bolster their bench, just like how Biden is trying to strengthen the American economy by investing in infrastructure and education .

But what I find really fascinating is that this signing isn't just about baseball, it's also about family values . Austin mentioned having his family in the stands again, that's exactly what Trump was talking about when he said "America first" . It's all about putting your country or community first and working hard to achieve success.

And let's not forget, this signing also comes at a time when the Cubs are trying to make a comeback in the league ️, just like how some politicians claim to be "reformers" . They're talking about leaving everything on the field, making a positive impact... it's all about image management and PR .

Anyway, I'm excited to see how this plays out and if Austin can really make a difference for the Cubs ️!

just imagine having tyler austins batsman skills back in mlb haha! he's been crushing it in japan for 6 years and now he's joining one of the top teams... cubs are definitely gonna benefit from him, i'm excited to see him play his first game

so yeah i think its awesome that tyler austin is back in mlb after his japan stint, gotta respect the guy for taking a risk and making it work in japan first . also gotta say im curious how he'll adapt to the cubs team after being out for 6 years . but honestly i think its great that reclamation stories like this one are becoming more common, shows there's still life left in old players .