The Chicago Cubs haven’t had the season many fans were hoping for, especially after getting off to a strong start and giving fans an idea of what they’re capable of.
Despite their disappointing run in 2024, the Cubs found a way to make a unique example of MLB history on Saturday.
Opta Stats shared that in Saturday’s 14-2 loss to the Miami Marlins, the Cubs became the first team in MLB history to have a Japanese player record at least three extra-base hits and another Japanese player hit a home run in the same game as Seiya. Suzuki hit two home runs and a triple and Shota Imanaga pitched seven innings of two-run ball for the easy win.
It @Cubs: First team in MLB history to have one Japanese-born player hit 3+ extra-base hits (Seiya Suzuki) and another Japanese player hit the same game (Shota Imanaga).
Through. @OptaSTATS: pic.twitter.com/B2FqbCT65W
— MLB (@MLB) August 24, 2024
It’s that elusive stat that can never be broken, and it’s not something anyone will tell their kids about, but it’s a great testament to how far Japanese players have come.
Imanaga has been one of the top acquisitions of the offseason and made the All-Star team as a rookie with Saturday’s win, improving his stats to 10-3 on the year with a 3.08 ERA.
Suzuki is getting more comfortable every year and is gradually developing into one of the better players in the game.
The more Japanese players that come to MLB and succeed, the more it opens the door for teams to feel confident in giving big contracts to foreign talent.
Shohei Ohtani runs away with the NL MVP award for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Masataka Yoshida is also becoming a force for the Boston Red Sox.
Japan’s run to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic was no fluke.
These guys are here to stay.
NEXT:
Insider reveals why teams missed out on Shota Imanaga in free agency
