When Tomoyuki Sugano took the mound in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic, facing off against the United States for Japan, it served as a glimpse into what he might experience in Major League Baseball.
“Pitching at Dodger Stadium in the 2017 WBC against the American team was a dream come true,” he expressed through a translator. “That experience reinforced my aspiration to pitch in the big leagues one day.”
Now, as he prepares to enter the majors, Sugano has secured a one-year contract worth $13 million with the Baltimore Orioles. At 35 years old, he will be eight years removed from that memorable WBC appearance when the upcoming season commences. While his achievements in Japan are notable, the pivotal question remains whether he can replicate that success on American soil.
Despite Japan’s narrow loss, 2-1, in that WBC game in Los Angeles, Sugano had an impressive performance, allowing only an unearned run and three hits over six innings against a formidable lineup featuring players like Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton. On that evening, Sugano was joined on the mound by Kodai Senga, who has found success with the New York Mets since relocating to the U.S.
Contrary to the perception that Sugano may have surpassed his prime, he recently concluded his third MVP season in the Central League of Japan. Last season, he recorded a 15-3 win-loss record and a stellar 1.67 ERA while striking out only 16 batters in 156 2/3 innings pitched for the Yomiuri Giants.
“I’m not necessarily a pitcher who throws 100 miles per hour, but I am very confident in my control and pitch selection,” he noted. “That’s the reason behind my success in Japan, and I don’t intend to change anything. I’m planning to leverage my pitch mix, command, and selection to adapt to the American game and see how it unfolds.”
Sugano was made available for MLB teams following the 2020 season, but he didn’t finalize a deal at that time. This time around, however, he is a free agent.
While fans of the Orioles may have hoped for a pairing with Roki Sasaki—another promising 23-year-old Japanese pitcher available to MLB teams from January 15-23—Sugano mentioned that he hadn’t had any discussions with Sasaki and is unaware of his interests.
Sugano’s age likely contributed to the lesser buzz around his signing in comparison to Sasaki’s, yet he was certainly not overlooked. San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin spoke about Sugano’s potential during last week’s winter meetings, remarking, “He’s a fit for any bullpen. The success of Japanese players in the big leagues is evident, and he will undoubtedly contribute positively to any team that signs him.”
The exact role Sugano will play with the Orioles is still uncertain. Throughout his 12-year career in Japan, he generally operated as a starting pitcher, a role that Baltimore may need to fill, especially with recent concerns regarding starters Corbin Burnes and the recoveries of Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells from Tommy John surgery.
Sugano expressed his interest in joining the Orioles, citing their potential to contend for a World Series title immediately. After a successful season where they clinched the AL East title in 2023, he believes Baltimore is positioned for a strong future.
He also mentioned his anticipation to collaborate with All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman. Sugano remains unconcerned about changes to Camden Yards, particularly the adjustments to the left-field wall for the upcoming season.
“I’m primarily a groundball pitcher,” he stated, “so that factor doesn’t affect me much at all.”
