In an unconventional move, the Chicago Cubs dived into the Japanese college baseball market, and signed Keio University player and fourth-year law student, Kotaro Tsunematsu. He has to be the only Cub player to have received simultaneous offers on the one hand, from the Cubs to play baseball, and on the other, from Goldman Sachs to work in finance.

For the Cubs, the signing comes without the usual Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) fees and hassles since he was undrafted in the October 23^rd NPB draft.

Tsunematsu, 20, was born in Rye, New York, and spent his childhood there. He moved to Japan and attended Keio University, where he played in the outfield. His college career totals are difficult to obtain, but reports suggest he played in 37 games, with a .263 average, including five doubles, four home runs, and 19 RBI.                       

Tsunematsu’s favorite player is one whom scouts have compared him to, Ronald Acuna of the Atlanta Braves.

Tsunematsu could hardly have a more worthy comp than Acuna, a five-time all-star, most recently in 2025 when he was also the Comeback Player of the Year. 

Acuna is one of three players in baseball history to post at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases within his first two MLB seasons.  At 28, Acuna has eight years of experience, a Rookie of the Year award (2018), and an MVP award (2023). He’s a career .289 hitter with a .908 OPS.

Tsunematsu’s admiration for Acuna shows a solid baseball mind with a knowledge of its history and a gigantic ambition to join the majors and contribute similarly.

Alejandra Razo wrote:

“Tsunematsu has proven to be a power hitter. His knack for

 ‘going yard’ and his quick swing have caught the attention

of Cubs’ Scouts.” (“Japanese Outfielder Chooses MLB Over

Wall Street, Signs With Chicago Cubs,” Albat, 11/6/2025.

A right-handed hitter with some pop, Tsunematsu also hits for average, as his .289 career batting average attests.  In his final year at Keio University, he hit .281 with 3 home runs.  He has stated that his favorite phrase is “rough and unrefined but not vulgar” (Razo 11/6/2025) – which speaks to his youth and teachability.

Tsunematsu will have a unique perspective as a Japanese-American player, who profiles to have high potential with good contact but raw power-hitting tools. Cubs fans look forward to seeing the developmental path he takes as he makes his way through the minor league system.