Chicago Cubs' Seiya Suzuki Takes Batting Practice With Samurai Sword in Viral Video

Seiya Suzuki sliced baseballs in half with a katana ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Series between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers back in his home country.

Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) hits against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Sloan Park. | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Seiya Suzuki is back in his home country, preparing to play his first professional baseball game on Japanese soil since 2021.

The Chicago Cubs outfielder will take the field in the Tokyo Series next week, facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday and Wednesday to open the 2025 MLB regular season. In the leadup to the event, Suzuki got a new samurai sword, which he opted to show off during batting practice.

The left-handed hitter set up in the batter's box and started taking swings at balls being tossed his way. He proceeded to slice six balls in half in a row, before the last one went careening towards the person filming the stunt.

Yeah, we think Seiya’s ready for the #TokyoSeries. 😳 pic.twitter.com/IFYUFix6R6

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 12, 2025

Suzuki spent nine seasons with the Hiroshima Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball. He was a .315 hitter with a .985 OPS during his time in NPB, racking up 182 home runs, 182 doubles, 16 triples, 562 RBIs, 82 stolen bases, five All-Star appearances and five Gold Gloves.

Since joining the Cubs on a five-year, $85 million contract in 2022, Suzuki has hit .278 with an .824 OPS. The 30-year-old has averaged 23 home runs, 34 doubles, six triples, 82 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and a 3.5 WAR per 162 games in the big leagues.

Suzuki is expected to spend most of his time at designated hitter in 2025 with Kyle Tucker coming over in a trade with the Houston Astros and Pete Crow-Armstrong graduating from prospect status.

First pitch between the Cubs and Dodgers next Tuesday is scheduled for 6:10 a.m. ET. Before then, Chicago will play an exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers at 11 p.m. ET on Friday.

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