Sugano's Arrival: Orioles Sign Veteran Japanese Pitcher
The Baltimore Orioles have made a notable addition to their pitching staff by signing veteran Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. The 35-year-old established ace from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) has inked a one-year contract with the Orioles, worth $13 million. Sugano's arrival marks a strategic move for the Orioles, as they aim to strengthen their rotation following their postseason challenges in recent years.
Impressive Track Record in Japan
Sugano brings with him an impressive resume from his 12 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. His career in Japan is distinguished by a remarkable 2.45 ERA over nearly 300 professional appearances. Sugano's command over his pitches is well-demonstrated by his strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.53, which underscores his precision and control on the mound.
His latest season in Japan was particularly stellar. Sugano showcased his enduring excellence with a minuscule 1.67 ERA, accumulating 111 strikeouts against just 16 unintentional walks over 156 2/3 innings in 2024. Such statistics are a testament to his ability to maintain top-tier performance as he transitions to Major League Baseball.
A Decorated Career
Sugano's list of accolades in Japan is impressive. He has participated in eight All-Star Games, underscoring his standing as one of the premier pitchers in the league. Moreover, Sugano has twice been named the league’s Most Valuable Player, and he has been honored with two Eiji Sawamura Awards, which are Japan's equivalent to MLB's Cy Young Award. His consistency and excellence on the field have made him a respected figure in international baseball circles.
A Strategic Move for the Orioles
The Orioles' decision to sign Sugano appears strategic as they navigate changes and uncertainties in their pitching rotation. With their ace, Corbin Burnes, testing the free-agent market, Sugano's experience and skillset provide a robust addition to the Orioles’ lineup. The team has succeeded in reaching the postseason for the past two years, yet they’ve struggled to progress beyond the early stages. Sugano's signing could be pivotal in achieving deeper playoff runs in the future.
Sugano’s Unique Arsenal
Sugano is noted for his fastball, which is consistently in the low-90s range. However, it is his deceptive splitter that often baffles hitters, contributing to his effectiveness on the mound. Despite a relatively modest strikeout rate of 6.4 per nine innings in his last season, Sugano’s ability to induce weak contact and limit walks has been key to his success.
Past MLB Considerations
This is not the first time Sugano has been linked with a move to Major League Baseball. Prior to the 2021 season, Sugano considered making the jump to MLB, indicating that he has long been on the radar of teams across the Pacific. His eventual signing with the Orioles highlights his readiness to face new challenges and adapt his game to the dynamics of the American league.
Sugano's entry into MLB marks an exciting chapter for both the player and the Orioles. As he dons the orange and black, fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch to see how Sugano’s celebrated skills translate to Major League Baseball. His rich experience and exceptional career in Japan suggest a promising season ahead for both Sugano and the Orioles.