The Chicago Cubs are slightly changing their organization before the second half of their season begins. The Cubs have dismissed the interpreter for outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
Toy Matsushita, who has served as Suzuki’s interpreter for the past two and a half seasons, was let go by the Cubs on Thursday. The club signed Matsushita at the same time as Suzuki in 2022. He served as Suzuki’s voice in interviews with American media.
Suzuki joined the Cubs after nine seasons in the NPB in Japan, where he was born. Now 29, Suzuki will have a new interpreter moving forward. For now, the Cubs have determined Nao Masamoto, a longtime employee who manages their Pacific Rim operations and major league video system, will support the outfielder. Edwin Stanberry, who assists All-Star pitcher Shota Imanaga, will also help with communications with Suzuki.
The Cubs said the choice was an “organizational decision” unrelated to the gambling scandal involving Japanese star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was accused of stealing $17 million from Ohtani.
The club wants to continue to be seen as a destination for Japanese players and a place where they can reach their potential. Masamoto remains a trusted friend of Yu Darvish even after the team traded the pitcher in 2020.
On Thursday, Chicago announced the plan to open the 2025 season in Tokyo against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Another installation of the MLB’s World Tour will showcase Tokyo for two games on March 18-19. The two clubs include several Japanese stars.
Photo Credit: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after scoring against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 11, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
