The Chicago Cubs have earned a reputation for being welcoming to Japanese players in Major League Baseball. This could give them an advantage in signing Roki Sasaki. As the 22-year-old phenom prepares to make the leap to MLB, the Cubs present a strong argument with a proven history of supporting Japanese athletes to thrive on the field, their diverse fanbase that appreciates global talent, and their dedication to achieving victory.

In 2008, when Kosuke Fukudome joined the team, he quickly made a mark by becoming an All-Star in his rookie year and contributing to the Cubs winning the NL Central title. While his performance declined over time, Fukudome became a symbol of baseball culture in Chicago, building a foundation of trust for future players. So, let’s dig in deeper to understand the stakes!

Building a legacy of Japanese Excellence in Chicago

Marquee Sports Network posted a video of MLB analyst Bruce Levine on X. In the clip, he talked about the Chicago Cubs having an equal chance of pursuing Roki Sasaki. “I think the Cubs are on equal ground if not may be a little better. The fact the Japanese players that have come here have had tremendous success. He said I think that bodes well for the Cubs.”

Looking back at the Cubs’ history with Japanese players, the long-going foundation has paid dividends for decades. After Kosuke Fukudome, pitcher Yu Darvish joined the team in 2018. Despite a rocky start due to injuries, he rebounded spectacularly. In 2020, he delivered a Cy Young-caliber performance, with a 2.01 ERA, and helped the Cubbies secure a spot in the playoffs.

Now, Seiya Suzuki carries that legacy after being signed to a five-year, $85 million deal in 2022. Suzuki, who started his career at the age of 18, has steadily improved. His .283 average in the previous season, along with 20 home runs, has helped maintain his position on the team. And further underscoring the Cubs’ commitment to integrating Japanese players seamlessly into their system.

Top Comment by Viking66

Another wildly inaccurate article. No mention of Imanaga, and Stroman left the Cubs before last season.

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Debate

For Sasaki, the Chicago Cubs offer more than just history—they provide a platform for greatness. Chicago’s supportive fanbase, large media market, and competitive ambitions align perfectly with Sasaki’s potential as a global superstar. Additionally, the Cubs’ willingness to invest in international players demonstrates their seriousness about contending, a key factor for Sasaki, who has expressed a desire to win at the highest level.

What can Sasaki bring to the Chicago Cubs’ rotation?

If Roki Sasaki joins the Cubs pitching lineup this winter, he would instantly become one of their cornerstone players. With his skills on the mound, the 22-year-old got a fastball clocking in at 102 mph. Furthermore, his splitter has helped him to be likened to top MLB pitchers. In the 2023 season with the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki demonstrated his prowess and control by posting a 2.05 ERA along with striking out 208 batters in 150 innings.

Including Sasaki, the Cubs pitching staff would give them an ace who can dominate batters and boost the team’s strikeout numbers overall while also filling the gap for a frontline starter they have been missing for years. Based on Sasaki’s skills and experience in his baseball career so far, he’s all set to make an impact in the baseball world. His ability to consistently dominate the NPB at such a young age and the remarkable achievement of a perfect game in 2022 after nearly three decades highlights his potential for success in Major League Baseball.

The Cubs are already strong with talented players such as Seiya Suzuki and Pete Henry Crow-Armstrong and adding Sasaki could take their pitching staff to the next level of greatness. How do you see this deal panning out? Let us in the comment section below!