For many, a job offer from a global financial powerhouse like Goldman Sachs represents the pinnacle of professional success. But for Kotaro Tsunematsu, a recently graduated outfielder from Keio University in Tokyo, the allure of the baseball diamond proved stronger than the promise of a lucrative career in finance. In January, Tsunematsu made the unconventional decision to turn down the Goldman Sachs offer and instead pursue a dream he’s held since childhood: playing professional baseball in the United States, signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.
The 22-year-old, known for his powerful hitting, batted cleanup for Keio and connected for four home runs in the Tokyo Big Six Baseball League last year. Despite his impressive performance, Tsunematsu went undrafted in October’s Japan professional baseball draft, leaving his future uncertain. He’d begun preparing for a career in the financial sector, a path that seemed increasingly secure with a job offer in hand. But the pull of the game, a passion ignited during his family’s time in New York, ultimately proved irresistible. This story of choosing passion over prestige highlights a unique crossroads for young athletes navigating career paths in a culture that highly values both academic and professional achievement.
Tsunematsu’s decision wasn’t made lightly. He’d already navigated a rigorous academic schedule while simultaneously dedicating himself to baseball, a commitment that often meant working on job applications until 4 a.m. After grueling training sessions. He secured the offer from Goldman Sachs during his junior year, intending to focus solely on baseball during his senior season. The Cubs opportunity, however, presented a different kind of challenge – a chance to compete on a global stage and chase a dream that had taken root during his childhood in the United States.
A Childhood Dream Forged in New York
Tsunematsu’s early exposure to Major League Baseball came during several years his family spent living in New York City. It was at Yankee Stadium that he first experienced the unique atmosphere of American baseball, a feeling he described to Kyodo News as “the real deal, down to my bones.” He contrasted this with the respect afforded athletes in Japan, noting that the American experience felt even more pronounced. Kyodo News reported that the New York Yankees, with stars like Ichiro Suzuki, Hiroki Kuroda, and Masahiro Tanaka during his time there, were “probably more famous than Japan’s prime minister.”
This early immersion left a lasting impression. He observed the scale of the entertainment surrounding the game, something he felt was distinct from the baseball culture in Japan. The energy of the crowds and the star power of the players fueled his ambition to one day compete at that level. Returning to Japan, he continued to hone his skills, eventually earning a spot at Keio University, a prestigious institution known for its academic rigor and competitive baseball program.
From Clubhouse Rules to a Cubs Contract
Tsunematsu’s path at Keio wasn’t without its obstacles. Initially, securing a place on the team proved challenging. A turning point came during spring camp in Kagoshima during his third year. He earned a spot on the first-team roster with a dramatic home run in a crucial at-bat. However, his momentum was briefly stalled when he was disciplined for violating a clubhouse rule by wearing a bracelet during practice. Despite the setback, and even after being hit by a pitch during a subsequent practice session, he persevered, requesting one more at-bat from his manager and delivering another home run.
This resilience sparked a hitting streak of approximately 20 games, where he came close to achieving a .500 slugging percentage. He played in 26 games during the 2025 spring and fall seasons, recording 18 RBIs for the university. His teammates consistently described him as a “powerful yet refined” player, noting his impressive bat speed – among the fastest on the team – and his consistent fielding ability. Standing at 185 centimeters tall, Tsunematsu combined natural talent with dedicated practice.
A Leap of Faith and a Future in the Majors
After being overlooked in the Japan pro baseball draft, Tsunematsu initially resigned himself to joining Goldman Sachs. However, just a day after the draft, he received an unexpected call from his Keio manager, informing him of an upcoming online interview with the Chicago Cubs. To his surprise, the interview led to a minor league contract offer. “I figured particularly few people get an opportunity like this…Subjectively, it seemed interesting, and objectively, even if I thought about it pragmatically, I felt there was no better choice,” he told Kyodo News.
Tsunematsu is slated to begin training with the Cubs organization for the 2026 season. He has expressed a goal of reaching the majors within five years. His journey is particularly noteworthy given the rarity of Japanese players being promoted to the majors directly from the minor leagues without prior experience in Nippon Professional Baseball. Only Mac Suzuki and Kazuhito Tadano have achieved this feat under similar circumstances, according to reports.
“This decision led to many new connections,” Tsunematsu said, expressing his hope that this bold move will open doors to future opportunities, regardless of where his career ultimately leads. He embodies a willingness to embrace challenges, stating, “I don’t feel motivated when my position is secure. I consider I have the drive to push myself when I have a sense of crisis.”
Tsunematsu’s story serves as an inspiring example of prioritizing passion and pursuing a dream, even in the face of conventional expectations. His immediate focus is on preparing for spring training with the Cubs, and his progress will be closely watched by baseball fans in both Japan and the United States. The next step in his journey will be his performance in the Cubs’ minor league system, with evaluations and potential promotions occurring throughout the 2026 season and beyond.
Do you think more athletes should follow their dreams, even if it means sacrificing financial security? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
