Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Sugano in Strategic Move

Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Sugano in Strategic Move

The Baltimore Orioles have bolstered their pitching rotation with the signing of Japanese veteran Tomoyuki Sugano. The experienced right-hander, who has been a stalwart in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Yomiuri Giants, brings a wealth of talent and experience as he joins the Orioles on a one-year deal valued at $13 million.

Sugano, at 35, carries with him a remarkable career profile from his 12 seasons in NPB, where he achieved a stellar 2.45 ERA. Known for his consistency and command on the mound, Sugano made nearly 300 professional appearances in Japan, exhibiting a sophisticated balance of precision and power. His impressive strikeout-to-walk (K/BB) ratio of 4.53 further underscores his ability to control games and limit damage.

An Impressive Track Record

In his most recent season, Sugano demonstrated that age is merely a number, posting an exceptional 1.67 ERA. Over 156 2/3 innings in 2024, he notched 111 strikeouts against 16 unintentional walks, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable and crafty pitcher. Notably, Sugano has been a familiar face in the league’s top performer lists, having been selected to eight All-Star Games and securing two MVP awards, along with two Eiji Sawamura Awards, which are given to the best starting pitcher in NPB.

Orioles' Strategic Reinforcements

The Orioles’ acquisition of Sugano comes at a pivotal time. The team has experienced postseason berths in the past two seasons but faced hurdles advancing beyond the opening rounds. As Orioles' ace Corbin Burnes enters the free-agent market, Sugano's signing addresses a critical need for experienced and effective arms to fill potential gaps in the rotation.

Known for his tactical approach and a fastball sitting in the low-90s range, Sugano’s arsenal is complemented by a deceptive splitter, a pitch that has baffled batters throughout his career. Despite recording a strikeout rate of 6.4 per nine innings last season, considered moderate in MLB terms, his pitch repertoire and ability to induce weak contact will be vital for the Orioles' pitching staff.

Sugano’s Transition to MLB

The transition from NPB to MLB holds unique challenges, but Sugano's prior consideration of a move to Major League Baseball before the 2021 season demonstrates his readiness and motivation to compete at this level. The Orioles are banking on this motivation to translate into immediate success on American soil.

While some might consider his age a deterrent, Sugano's durable track record and his recent performance metrics suggest that he has more to offer. His experience playing under pressure in Japan’s highly competitive league makes him a valuable asset as the Orioles aim to enhance their pitching lineup.

With Sugano's addition, the Baltimore Orioles expect not only to reinforce their starting rotation but also to inspire confidence and stability throughout the roster as they aim for deeper postseason runs. As he dons the Orioles jersey, the baseball community will watch closely to see how this seasoned NPB veteran maps his journey in Major League Baseball. The blend of Sugano’s proven skills and the Orioles’ aspirations could indeed be a winning combination.