Orioles Sign Veteran Japanese Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano
Orioles Sign Veteran Japanese Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano
The Baltimore Orioles have taken a decisive step in strengthening their pitching rotation, securing veteran Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. In a move that underscores their ambition to make a deeper postseason run, the Orioles have signed Sugano to a one-year deal worth $13 million. This acquisition comes at a crucial time, as the Orioles' ace, Corbin Burnes, is exploring opportunities on the free-agent market.
At 35 years old, Sugano brings a wealth of experience, having spent 12 successful seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). During his tenure with the Giants, Sugano established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league, boasting an impressive career ERA of 2.45 over nearly 300 professional appearances. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.53 is a testament to his control and effectiveness on the mound.
In the 2024 season, Sugano was nothing short of dominant, posting a stellar 1.67 ERA with 111 strikeouts and only 16 unintentional walks over 156 2/3 innings. These figures reflect his continued prowess and adaptability as a pitcher, attributes that are certain to bring value to the Orioles' roster. Sugano's low-90s fastball is complemented by a deceptive splitter, adding depth and versatility to his pitching repertoire.
Sugano's career in NPB has been decorated with numerous accolades, including eight All-Star Game selections, two MVP awards, and two prestigious Eiji Sawamura Awards, given to the best pitcher in the league. His illustrious career in Japan highlights his capability to perform at the highest level of professional baseball.
Interestingly, Sugano considered making the jump to Major League Baseball before the 2021 season. This decision, however, was deferred until now, granting the Orioles the opportunity to add his talent to their roster. Sugano's international experience and accolades underscore his potential to impact Major League games positively.
For the Orioles, Sugano's signing aligns with their objective of advancing beyond the opening round of the postseason, a hurdle they have faced in each of the past two years. The addition of Sugano could provide the necessary boost in their bid for a longer playoff run.
Sugano's strategic signing also comes at a pivotal moment for the team as they navigate the potential loss of Corbin Burnes. While Burnes' future with the Orioles remains uncertain, Sugano's arrival offers stability and experienced leadership to the pitching staff.
The Orioles' management is optimistic that Sugano will adapt quickly to Major League Baseball, bringing his signature consistency and durability to the team. With a strong performance in NPB and the ability to maintain a strikeout rate of 6.4 per nine innings in his most recent season, Sugano is expected to hold his own against MLB hitters.
Baltimore's baseball fans can look forward to seeing Sugano take the mound, as his proven track record suggests he will be a vital asset in the Orioles' quest for postseason success. As the team gears up for future challenges, Tomoyuki Sugano represents a beacon of hope and a strategic component in their pursuit of baseball excellence.
