The Chicago Cubs have had a rough go of it since their mid-2010s success. Since making the NLCS every year from 2015-2017, the team has only made the postseason twice and lost in the Wild Card on both of those occasions. After back-to-back 83-79 seasons, hopes are high for the team to take the next step in 2025.
The team is expecting a breakout from Pete Crow-Armstrong, as well as big contributions from newly acquired Kyle Tucker. But it’s a pair of Japanese stalwarts who might be good enough to carry the whole team. Shota Imanaga was an All-Star and Cy Young contender in his debut MLB season in 2024, while Seiya Suzuki slugged 20+ home runs for a second straight season and appears to be getting better every year.
Seiya Suzuki cuts baseballs in half with Samurai sword
Imanaga is expected to lead the rotation, while Suzuki will be a mainstay at the top of the batting order. With the team getting set to take part in the Tokyo Series in Japan, the Cubs have used both as marketing movers. One video with Suzuki particularly stood out, in which he takes batting practice with a Samurai sword.
Suzuki appears to cut through all of the balls thrown his way, making contact with each of them. The last one was particularly funny, though, as one of the halves hit the cameraman.
The Cubs are set to play two exhibition games against the Japan-based Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers this weekend. They will then open the regular season at the Tokyo Dome against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18.
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