Baltimore Orioles Sign Veteran Japanese Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano
The Baltimore Orioles have bolstered their pitching lineup with the signing of veteran Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. This strategic move is encapsulated in a one-year deal valued at $13 million, bringing a wealth of experience and skill from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB).
Sugano's Impressive NPB Career
Tomoyuki Sugano, at the age of 35, has accumulated a storied career spanning 12 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, one of NPB's most illustrious teams. His career in Japan is highlighted by a remarkable 2.45 ERA, showcasing his consistent ability to stymie opposing hitters. With nearly 300 professional appearances under his belt, Sugano's experience is unmistakable, as he has proven to be a reliable and durable presence on the mound.
Sugano’s accolades in the NPB are a testament to his dominance and skill. He has been selected to eight All-Star Games, highlighting his place among the elite pitchers in the Japanese league. His trophy cabinet also includes two MVP awards, further underscoring his impact and value as a player. Moreover, he has received the prestigious Eiji Sawamura Award twice, an honor awarded to the top starting pitcher in NPB, akin to the Cy Young Award in Major League Baseball.
Recent Performance and Skills
In his most recent season, Sugano demonstrated his prowess with a superb performance, posting a 1.67 ERA. His effectiveness was further illustrated by his 111 strikeouts over 156 2/3 innings, coupled with a mere 16 unintentional walks. This performance exemplifies his commanding presence and precise control on the mound. With a strikeout-to-walk (K/BB) ratio of 4.53 and a strikeout rate of 6.4 per nine innings, Sugano has consistently exhibited exceptional command and strikeout capability.
Sugano's pitching arsenal is notable for its craftiness, particularly his fastball, which resides in the low-90s range. His splitter is described as "deceptive," contributing to his success by keeping hitters off-balance and guessing. Such attributes are poised to transition well into MLB as the Orioles look to capitalize on Sugano's unique skill set.
Orioles Eyeing Postseason Success
The Orioles, having made the postseason in each of the last two years, have struggled to progress beyond the opening round. The acquisition of Sugano is a calculated effort to strengthen their roster, aiming to change their recent playoff fortunes. This move gains additional significance with ace pitcher Corbin Burnes testing the free-agent market, potentially leaving the Orioles in need of a proven and steady arm like Sugano's.
Sugano's decision to finally enter MLB comes after previous consideration in 2021. The Orioles' management hopes that Sugano’s arrival will not only bring stability and experience to their pitching staff but also inspire the team towards deeper postseason runs.
The inclusion of Sugano in the Orioles' rotation is a notable development for both the team and MLB, as fans and analysts eagerly anticipate how his storied career in Japan will translate to success in the United States. As Sugano prepares to take the mound at Camden Yards, the Orioles’ faithful have an added reason for optimism as the new season approaches.