Cubs' Seiya Suzuki Makes Clear 6-Word Statement on All-Star Game Snub Amid Fan Protests
Major League Baseball announced its full 2025 All-Star Game selections on Sunday, a news update that had fans howling for change as they attempted to reconcile seeing rosters without many of their favorite local and national players.
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One of the most glaring omissions was Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki, who has recorded a batting average of .263 on the season so far along with 25 home runs and 77 runs batted in with six games to go in the first half of the 2025 season.
Suzuki was not chosen for this year's All-Star team causing fans to lash out on social media.
On Sunday, Suzuki made a direct six-word statement on the situation that showed his seriousness.
Seiya Suzuki (backwards hat) speaks with media at Wrigley Field on Sunday. © Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Suzuki was asked what his personal calendar shows for All-Star weekend and did not hesitate to give his answer.
"I'm sorry, but my plans are full," the Japanese MLB star said on Sunday through a translator.
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Suzuki was born in Tokyo in 1994 and was signed away from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball club from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league to a five-year, $85 million contract in March 2022.
The Cubs' primary designated hitter, he leads MLB in runs batted in and is on pace for what would be an incredible 50 home run, 150 RBI season.
"It was a surprise (that Suzuki was left off the team)," WBEZ Chicago radio station sports contributor Cheryl Rate-Stout said to Axios about the Cubs slugger.
"He could still be added if any other players drop out," she added, an assertion that Suzuki appeared to put to rest with his comments on Sunday.
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Related: Major League Baseball Faces Backlash From Fans After All-Star Game Roster Announcement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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