Chicago Cubs: Creating the requested Shohei Ohtani memo

Resources for Shohei’s cultural assimilation

The Cubs have demonstrated time and time again their ability – and willingness – to go the extra mile for players. Chicago is a major market and offers some of the best resources in the country when it comes to helping players assimilate culturally.

This front office goes the extra mile with its players. When pursuing free agent Jon Lester, Epstein put together personalized meetings for the left-hander and even worked perks for his family into his contract. Three years later, the duo accomplished what they set out to do: win a World Series.

The organization has experience in this matter from the past, as well. In 2007, the Cubs signed outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year deal. Despite this being under the previous regime, the proof is there. Epstein, of course, played an instrumental role in the Red Sox signing Daisuke Matsuzaka – showing a proven history in understanding and working with international talent.

The front office is in this for the long-haul, as is ownership. There are few other organizations who can boast that – with the past record as evidence.