The Baltimore Orioles announced today that they have reached an agreement with the right-handed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (Tomoyuki Kanno) for a one-year Major League contract for the 2025 season.
Sugano, 35, is a veteran with an illustrious career in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Central League in Japan, where he has played all 12 of his professional seasons with the Yomiuri Giants. In 2024, he had a breakout campaign, winning the Central League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, thanks to a 15-3 record, a 1.67 ERA (29 earned runs in 156.2 innings), and 111 strikeouts in 24 starts. . Additionally, he completed three games and recorded a shutout. During that season, he posted career-best rates in walk percentage (2.6%) and walks per nine innings (0.9), establishing himself as one of the most accurate pitchers in the league.
Sugano led the NPB in wins in 2024, while his ERA was the second-best on the circuit and in his career. These numbers, coupled with his consistency, make him a key addition for the Orioles.
A brilliant track record in Japan
Born in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, Sugano leaves behind a storied career with the Yomiuri Giants. In his 276 professional games (248 as a starter), he compiled a record of 136-74 with a 2.43 ERA in 1,857 innings pitched, allowing 501 earned runs, 1,568 hits (142 home runs), 347 walks and striking out 1,585.
Among his most notable achievements, Sugano is a three-time MVP of the Central League (2014, 2020 and 2024) and has won the prestigious award Eiji Sawamura on two occasions (2017 and 2018), awarded to the best pitcher in the NPB. He is also an eight-time All-Star (2013-2019, 2022) and has won three Mitsui Gold Gloves (2016-2018).
During his career, he led the Central League in wins in four seasons (2017, 2018, 2020 and 2024), in ERA four times (2014, 2016-2018) and in strikeouts in two seasons (2016 and 2018). In 2018, he achieved the pitching triple crown by leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts, an achievement reserved for the greatest pitchers in history.
Sugano also represented Japan in international competitions, including the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he pitched a brilliant semifinal game against the United States at Dodger Stadium. In that game, he allowed one unearned run in six innings, with three hits, one walk and six strikeouts.
The impact for the Orioles
With this signing, the Orioles strengthen their rotation with a pitcher with proven experience and a history of success in high-pressure settings. Sugano is known not only for his ability to pitch quality innings, but also for his leadership on the mound and his ability to maintain control of the game.
The one-year contract gives Sugano the opportunity to demonstrate his talent in MLB and, for the Orioles, a solid piece for their rotation in the 2025 season. With this addition, the team seeks to remain competitive in the always challenging Eastern Division of the American League.
Currently, the Orioles’ 40-man roster is full, meaning they will need to make additional moves to officially accommodate Sugano. However, the impact that this experienced Japanese pitcher can have promises to be significant for the team and its aspirations in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The signing of Tomoyuki Sugano represents a strategic move for the Orioles, who are betting on a player with an outstanding international career. Sugano’s adaptation to Major League baseball will be a key aspect to watch, but his track record in Japan suggests he is more than prepared to meet this challenge. With 2025 on the horizon, the Orioles are strengthening their rotation in hopes of competing for a postseason berth.
2024-12-17 16:28:00