As the Cubs prepare for their spring training opener against the Dodgers, designated hitter Seiya Suzuki heads into his fourth season with the team as a true veteran presence.

Marquee Sports Network’s Cole Wright caught up with Suzuki on Tuesday in Mesa, Ariz., and he explained the difference from when he came into the major leagues as compared to this campaign.

“Understanding when practice is, when individual work is, I think knowing that and going into the season, I feel, schedule-wise, I feel a lot smoother and more prepared,” Suzuki said, through interpreter Edwin Stanberry.

This interview came shortly after the Cubs reportedly signed veteran infielder Justin Turner. With Turner’s presence in the clubhouse, players are excited to learn from him. Count Suzuki among them.

“It makes me very happy,” Suzuki said. “He’s a player that I’ve watched in the past, and I’ve referenced him in terms of hitting, hitting mechanics. I think this year we’ve added a lot new players and just getting to know them and learning from them has been a great time.”

The Cubs announced Imanaga as the Opening Day starter in Tokyo against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18. Suzuki mentioned that returning to Japan is an exciting feeling playing in front of the Japanese fans.

While witnessing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto win the World Series with the Dodgers last season, there’s extra motivation for Suzuki ahead of 2025.

“Simply put, win the World Series,” Suzuki said. “Just watching two Japanese players last year win it, I think it’s motivation for me and Shota to do well with this team and hopefully we can get there.”

Head over to the Marquee Sports Network app for more spring training coverage.