MESA, Ariz. -- There are plenty of baseball fans who consider Angels superstar Mike Trout to be their favorite player. Count new Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki among them.

During his introductory press conference on Friday, Suzuki walked into the room in his new white Cubs home jersey, which had No. 27 stitched across his back. Suzuki was asked if there was any significance to choosing that number for his first season in the big leagues. Suzuki had been using his translator, Toy Matsushita, for his responses, but he flashed a smile and gave this answer on his own in English.

"Mike Trout," Suzuki said.

The Japanese star then looked toward the cameras in the room and added: "I love you."

Suzuki, 27, was certainly a multi-tool, Trout-esque talent during his years with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp before signing his five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs. In 132 games last season for Hiroshima, he turned in a .317/.433/.639 slash line with 38 homers, 88 RBIs and nearly as many walks. He also logged a career-best 25 stolen bases during the '19 season.