Chicago, IL – May 29, 2025 — In a move that has left fans in awe and tears, Chicago Cubs star outfielder Seiya Suzuki has voluntarily accepted a 30% pay cut from his upcoming contract extension—not for himself, but to help the team retain a lesser-known teammate whose story touched him deeply.

In an era where professional athletes regularly pursue top-dollar contracts, Suzuki’s decision stands out not only for its rarity, but for the deeply emotional reason behind it. The man he fought to keep on the roster? Cubs clubhouse assistant and part-time bullpen catcher, Miguel “Migs” Ramirez, a figure barely known to fans but beloved within the organization.

💔 The Man Behind the Sacrifice

Miguel Ramirez, 34, has been with the Cubs since 2017. A former minor league catcher whose dreams of playing in the big leagues ended due to injury, Migs stayed close to the game by becoming a bullpen assistant, helping warm up pitchers, organizing equipment, and doing countless thankless jobs behind the scenes.

But earlier this year, the Cubs’ front office announced plans to cut several non-playing staff roles due to budgetary restructuring. Ramirez’s role was among those on the chopping block.

When Seiya Suzuki found out, he didn’t just protest the decision — he offered up his own salary.

“Migs is more than just a staff guy,” Suzuki told reporters, holding back emotion. “He’s family. And I wouldn’t feel right putting on this uniform knowing he’s gone because of money.”

🇯🇵 A Star With Humble Roots

Suzuki, who came to the Cubs in 2022 from Japan’s Hiroshima Toyo Carp, has always been known for his humility and strong sense of community. Raised in Tokyo by working-class parents, Suzuki frequently credits his success to those behind the scenes — coaches, trainers, translators, and teammates who rarely get the spotlight.

His connection with Ramirez grew stronger during his injury-rehabilitation stint in 2023, when the two spent countless hours together in the training room, sharing life stories, cracking jokes, and even learning bits of each other’s language.

“He taught me how to say ‘you got this’ in Spanish,” Suzuki recalled, smiling. “And I taught him how to say ‘don’t give up’ in Japanese.”

💬 Players and Fans React

News of Suzuki’s pay cut and gesture spread rapidly throughout the Cubs organization — and beyond. Teammates expressed overwhelming support, with many calling it the most selfless act they’ve seen in professional sports.

“This is what leadership looks like,” said Cubs first baseman Nico Hoerner. “He didn’t just talk about culture. He showed us what it means.”

On social media, fans began trending hashtags like #ForMigs and #SuzukiTheHero, turning what could’ve been a quiet roster move into a moment of unity.

“I already loved Seiya Suzuki,” one fan tweeted. “Now I’d run through a brick wall for him.”

⚾ The Front Office Responds

Faced with public support and internal pressure, the Cubs front office reversed the planned layoff, announcing that Miguel Ramirez would remain with the team for “as long as he wishes to be here.” President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer praised Suzuki’s leadership.

“Seiya reminded us all what this game is really about — people,” Hoyer said in a statement. “He took a stand not for numbers, but for loyalty, and we’re proud to have him in a Cubs uniform.”

Suzuki’s restructured deal will reduce his 2025 salary by 30%, redirecting the funds internally to preserve staffing jobs at risk due to cap shifts and luxury tax thresholds.

🥹 An Emotional Ending… And a New Beginning

In a brief but heartfelt appearance before today’s home game at Wrigley Field, Suzuki and Ramirez stood side by side as the stadium announcer told fans about the story. The two embraced on the field to a standing ovation, with many in the crowd visibly emotional.

“I didn’t ask him to do this,” Ramirez said through tears. “He just did it. That’s the kind of man Seiya is.”

As the national anthem played and players lined up along the baselines, Ramirez stood in his familiar bullpen spot — this time, with 40,000 fans cheering not just the players, but the heart of a team.

🌟 More Than a Game

In a sport often driven by contracts, statistics, and business decisions, Seiya Suzuki reminded the world of something greater — the soul of baseball lies in its people.

His sacrifice wasn’t just a pay cut. It was a bold, beautiful reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories happen off the field.