Top Japanese Pitcher Set to Join MLB Ranks This Winter
After a remarkable season in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano is poised to bring his talents to Major League Baseball as an international free agent. The 34-year-old ace has been dominating hitters with a 1.67 ERA over 24 starts for the Central League champion Yomiuri Giants.
Sugano’s impressive resume boasts two Sawamura Awards, equivalent to the Cy Young, and four ERA championships. His reemergence this season has been nothing short of remarkable, and he’s now ready to take his skills to the next level.
In 2020, Sugano was posted by the Yomiuri Giants, but he failed to reach an agreement with an MLB team before the deadline expired. This time around, as an international free agent, he’ll have no restrictions on his signing.
Sugano’s arsenal features a six-pitch mix, including a 92 mph four-seam fastball, an 82 mph slider, an 87 mph cutter, a splitter, and a curveball. His exceptional command and pitchability have allowed him to thrive despite lacking velocity. This season, he’s walked only 16 batters and surrendered just six home runs in 156⅔ innings, while striking out 111.
The starting pitching market this winter is expected to be highly competitive, with top names like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty set to become available. Sugano’s unique skillset and impressive track record make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotation.
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