The Chicago Cubs have made a surprising decision to part ways with Toy Matsushita, the interpreter for Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki. According to a report from The Athletic, this change within the organization, announced after the All-Star break, aims to streamline communication by using internal resources to support Suzuki.
Suzuki, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs after the MLB lockout in 2022, has been a crucial player for the team with his powerful batting. However, injuries and challenges in right field have somewhat affected his tenure.
Matsushita played a key role in helping Suzuki adjust to the Major Leagues, assisting with communication with the media, coaching staff, and front office. Going forward, these responsibilities will be taken over by Nao Masamoto, a trusted figure within the Cubs organization, along with Edwin Stanberry, who serves as the interpreter for pitcher Shota Imanaga.
The Cubs have clarified that this decision does not stem from any scandal or misconduct, unlike an earlier incident involving Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter this season. Instead, it underscores the Cubs’ commitment to promoting independence and deeper integration of their Japanese players within the team. This organizational shift by the Cubs is significant, especially as they prepare to open the 2025 season in Tokyo. It reflects their broader philosophy of adapting and evolving to better support the unique talents and needs of their roster.
Baseball has always been and will remain America’s pastime, a sport that has united the country over the past century. However, as we progress through the 21st century, it’s important to recognize and appreciate that baseball is now an international game that resonates with people everywhere. MLB is now reciprocating the support of its international fans by launching the 2025 season on the other side of the globe.
The league will commence its 2025 season with games on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, Japan, offering MLB fans a taste of Japanese culture through this two-game series. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will journey across the world to Japan to kick off the season.
This event is also an opportunity for hometown heroes like Shota Imanaga, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani to return home and perform for their local supporters.
During All-Star week, Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga playfully praised Ohtani as a star, acknowledging that Ohtani’s exceptional talent sometimes made him envious. This sets the stage for a potential showdown between the two on opening day of the 2025 season, with Ohtani expected to have fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and leading the Dodgers’ pitching rotation, while Imanaga does the same for the Cubs.
It’s anticipated that these games at the Tokyo Dome will sell out, potentially setting attendance records, as fans eagerly await this international spectacle.
