Chicago Cubs Abruptly Split With Japanese Outfielder's Interpreter

The Chicago Cubs dropped a sudden announcement: parting ways with their interpreter for Japanese outfielder, Seiya Suzuki. 

On Thursday, The Athletic's Patrick Mooney announced that Toy Matsushita, who had been Seiya Suzuki's interpreter for nearly three years, was no longer employed by the Cubs. Chicago called the move an "organizational decision."

Suzuki, 29, is batting .270 with a .813 OPS this season (72 games) for Chicago, adding 13 home runs and 45 RBIs. 

MESA, Ariz. - Toy Matsushita of the Chicago Cubs poses for a photo during the Chicago Cubs Photo Day at Sloan Park on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. (Photo by David Durochik/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during opening day at PNC Park on April 12, 2022.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Two Cubs staff members will assume Matsushita's duties; one of them serves as the interpreter for star rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga.

Suzuki's interpreter may have been dismissed, but the Cubs clarified that Matsushita's case is not similar to Ippei Mizuhara's; still, the club did not give a clear cause. The 2024 MLB season started with a significant incident related to an interpreter, involving the infamous Shohei Ohtani betting scandal and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Federal prosecutors charged Mizuhara, and the interpreter pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud. Mizuhara, 39, admitted to taking nearly $17 million from Ohtani in order to pay off debts accrued in sports betting.

CHICAGO - Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs chats with his translator Toy Matsushita in the dugout during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on May 30, 2022. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

Check back with OutKick as the story develops.

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com