Baltimore Orioles Welcomes Veteran Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano
The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant addition to their pitching roster by signing veteran Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. Sugano, a stalwart of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with a distinguished career spanning over a decade, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Orioles, worth $13 million. The 35-year-old right-hander is set to bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team as they aim for deeper postseason success in the coming seasons.
A Storied Career in Japan
Sugano boasts a remarkable career with the Yomiuri Giants, one of the most storied franchises in Japan's NPB. Over 12 seasons, he established himself as a formidable force on the mound, amassing nearly 300 professional appearances and maintaining a career ERA of 2.45. Known for his precision and control, Sugano has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.53, underscoring his ability to consistently dominate opponents.
The pitcher’s recent performances highlight his enduring prowess. In his last season with the Giants, Sugano recorded a stellar 1.67 ERA, striking out 111 batters and permitting just 16 unintentional walks over 156 2/3 innings. Such figures confirm his readiness to transition to Major League Baseball (MLB) and contribute effectively for the Orioles.
A Decorated Athlete
Sugano's tenure in NPB has been decorated with numerous accolades, including eight selections to the NPB All-Star Games. Further cementing his legacy, he has won two MVP awards and received two Eiji Sawamura Awards, Japan’s equivalent to MLB’s Cy Young Award. These honors reflect not only his talent but also his leadership and significance within the league throughout his career.
Strategic Signing by the Orioles
The Orioles' strategic signing of Sugano comes at a crucial juncture as they grapple with the potential loss of ace Corbin Burnes, who is currently exploring the free-agent market. Sugano is expected to fortify the pitching rotation, especially given the Orioles’ aspirations for playoff success have been thwarted in the early rounds in the past two seasons.
Sugano’s addition aligns with the Orioles’ goal to bolster their pitching depth and expertise. His fastball, sitting in the low-90s, along with a deceptively effective splitter, are likely to play pivotal roles in challenging MLB hitters. While his strikeout rate was 6.4 per nine innings last season, Sugano's precision and experience could prove invaluable in high-pressure situations on the mound.
Joining Major League Baseball
The move to MLB marks a significant milestone in Sugano's career. Although he had previously considered joining MLB before the 2021 season, his decision to make the transition now shows his readiness to tackle the competitive landscapes of American baseball. His experience and credentials from years of dominating in Japan will undoubtedly aid in his adaptation to this new chapter with the Orioles.
The signing of Tomoyuki Sugano by the Baltimore Orioles is a promising development for the team and their fans. With his extensive background and track record of successes in NPB, Sugano aims to make an immediate impact. As the Orioles prepare for the upcoming season, their hope is that this new addition to their pitching staff will be instrumental in making a successful postseason run and ultimately achieving championship aspirations.