In a pivotal move to reinforce their pitching lineup, the Baltimore Orioles have signed renowned Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract worth $13 million. This agreement, announced late Monday night, represents not just a fresh chapter for Sugano but also a strategic acquisition for the Orioles, who are actively seeking to enhance their rotation depth heading into the 2025 season. Sugano, at 35 years old, boasts a decorated career including two Sawamura Awards, highlighting his status as one of Japan’s most accomplished pitchers.
Sugano’s journey to Major League Baseball (MLB) has been closely watched since December 2020 when he was initially posted by the Yomiuri Giants. Despite considerable interest, he chose to remain in Japan, putting together yet another stellar season. His 2023 performance was particularly noteworthy; he made 24 starts, achieving a record of 15 wins and just 3 losses, with an outstanding ERA of 1.67. Over 156.2 innings, he demonstrated exceptional control, striking out 111 batters while walking only 16, and allowing a mere six home runs—a testament to his effectiveness on the mound.
What sets Sugano apart from many pitchers is his pitching style, which leans heavily on off-speed pitches. Although he maintains a fastball averaging 92 mph, nearly two-thirds of his offerings were sliders, cutters, curveballs, and split-fingered fastballs in the past season. This diverse arsenal not only keeps opposing hitters guessing but also plays well into the Orioles’ strategy to bolster a rotation that already includes promising young talents.
The addition of Sugano is a clear signal of the Orioles’ ambitions as they look to build on last season’s back-to-back postseason berths. With the uncertainty surrounding Corbin Burnes’ contract status and the recovery paths of pitchers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells—both of whom are returning from significant elbow surgeries—the presence of Sugano will provide much-needed stability and experience to the starting rotation. The Orioles have also reportedly made continued efforts to retain Burnes, but the financial aspects of that deal could stretch the team’s budget considerably.
With David Rubenstein’s recent purchase of the team, the financial landscape for the Orioles appears to be changing. The expected increase in the Opening Day payroll reflects a commitment to competitiveness. The combined contracts of Sugano and newly signed outfielder Tyler O’Neill are poised to elevate the payroll to approximately $110 million, a significant investment that illustrates the team’s dedication to improvement.
As Sugano transitions to MLB, he will encounter new challenges, including a revised playing environment at Camden Yards. The Orioles’ decision to alter the left-field wall—reducing its height in certain areas—means that the stadium will likely become less forgiving for pitchers. Nevertheless, Sugano’s history as a groundball pitcher, showing a groundball rate of over 51% in his last season, may work to his advantage in adapting to the new dynamics of the ballpark.
The Baltimore Orioles are making a bold statement by signing Tomoyuki Sugano. The confluence of his extensive experience, combined with the team’s strategic reshaping of the roster, sets the stage for an intriguing season ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Sugano embarks on this new chapter, hoping to further solidify his place in MLB history.