The Chicago Cubs' newest signing could've gone to work at Goldman Sachs.
Instead, he's going to pursue his MLB dream.
That's Kotaro Tsunematsu, who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, according to Jacob Zanolla.
Tsunematsu played his college baseball in Japan but was not selected in the NPB Draft.
He could've chosen the financial career route, but at least for now, he's sticking with the diamond.
According to Zanolla, Tsunematsu was born in New York but played his amateur baseball in Japan.
The Chicago Cubs have signed Kotaro Tsunematsu to a minor league deal, according to his Instagram.
— Jacob Zanolla (@jacobzanolla) January 16, 2026
The 22-year-old outfielder was not selected in the NPB draft. He was later offered a job with Goldman Sachs but turned it down to join the Cubs organization.
Tsunematsu was born… pic.twitter.com/ysJ5t3Em8J
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It's a fascinating path and one that likely has a few more twists and turns in it than are known right now.
Thursday was the opening of this season's international signing window, which is why this news has come out now.
Tsunematsu is a right-handed hitter with some pop. The Cubs clearly saw enough ability to give him a shot, but it'll be fascinating to see what his developmental plan might look like.
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