The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move in free agency to strengthen their starting rotation, agreeing to a one-year, $13 million deal with right-handed Japanese pitcher, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
While much of the focus in the international market this winter has been on the 23-year-old Roki Sasaki, Sugano himself was highly sought after and is considered one of the top pitchers in the history of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, having spent his career with the Yomiuri Giants.
At 35 years old, Sugano has built a distinguished international career over his 12 seasons in Japan.
Even at his age, Sugano is coming off the best year of his career. In 2024, he made 24 appearances, posting an incredible 1.67 ERA across 156.2 innings, just shy of his outstanding 2017 season where he recorded a 1.59 ERA in 25 appearances over 187.1 innings.
Throughout his career, Sugano has won two Sawamura Awards (the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young), two Central League MVPs, earned eight All-Star selections, and led the league in ERA four times.
Due to his age, Sugano was never expected to receive a massive contract like Yoshinobu Yamamoto did last year or Sasaki might if he were eligible. However, the $13 million deal is still a substantial sum and could provide great value for the Orioles.
Still performing at a high level, Sugano has proven capable of anchoring a rotation, and there may be even more success ahead of him.
This move may also suggest that the Orioles are preparing for the possible departure of Corbin Burnes. The most coveted pitcher on the market is likely to attract offers exceeding $250 million, and while the Orioles have shown interest in re-signing him, Sugano’s deal could signal that Burnes’ return is unlikely.
Regardless, signing Sugano is an exciting development that could help fill the void left by last season’s ace.
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