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Baltimore Orioles Sign Japanese Star Tomoyuki Sugano to Boost Pitching Rotation

The Baltimore Orioles have secured the services of Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, signing the 35-year-old to a one-year, $13 million deal as they aim to strengthen their rotation for the 2025 season. Sugano, a veteran of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), spent 12 years with the Yomiuri Giants, often referred to as Japan’s equivalent of the New York Yankees.

Sugano’s illustrious career in Japan includes two Sawamura Awards (the equivalent of MLB’s Cy Young Award), three Central League MVP titles, and eight All-Star appearances. In 2024, he earned his third MVP by posting a stellar 15-3 record with a 1.67 ERA, walking only 15 batters while striking out 111 over 156 2/3 innings.

The Orioles, who finished three games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East in 2024 and exited the playoffs in the Wild Card round, are looking for Sugano to play a crucial role in their quest to return to the World Series for the first time since 1983.

Baltimore’s Offseason Moves

Sugano is the Orioles’ third significant acquisition this offseason, joining outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal, and catcher Gary Sánchez, who inked a one-year, $8.5 million contract. General Manager Mike Elias is reportedly still pursuing ace Corbin Burnes, although competition for his signature remains fierce, especially after the Yankees secured Max Fried on an eight-year, $218 million deal.

Baltimore’s rotation now includes right-handers Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Sugano, and left-hander Cade Povich. The team will begin the season without right-handers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells, both recovering from surgeries. Additional depth includes veterans Albert Suárez and rookies Chayce McDermott and Brandon Young.

Sugano’s MLB Outlook

Sugano’s repertoire features a six-pitch mix, including a fastball topping out at 92-93 mph, alongside a cutter, slider, splitter, sinker, and curve. Known for his exceptional command, he has walked only 1.7 batters per nine innings throughout his career. Despite his success in Japan, Sugano has limited experience against MLB players, though he impressed during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, allowing just one run over six innings against the United States.

In his career with the Yomiuri Giants, Sugano compiled a 135-74 record with a 2.43 ERA over 276 games. While he has not been a high-inning pitcher, his consistent performance and experience on championship teams—he was part of five Yomiuri pennant-winning squads—make him a valuable addition to Baltimore’s rotation.

Skepticism Among Orioles Fans

Orioles fans may approach the move cautiously, given the team’s mixed history with Japanese pitchers. Previous signings include Koji Uehara, who found success after leaving Baltimore, Shintaro Fujinami, who struggled in 2023, and Tsuyoshi Wada, whose tenure was marred by injuries.

Despite this history, the Orioles are banking on Sugano’s experience and track record to help push them back into contention. As Hall of Famer Jim Palmer noted on social media, the team’s recent pitching acquisitions have thrived with strong run support, and he hopes Sugano benefits similarly in 2025.

The Orioles enter the new season with renewed ambitions, aiming to dethrone the Yankees and make a deep postseason run. Whether Sugano can replicate his NPB success in MLB will be a key storyline to watch.