The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move in their quest to strengthen their pitching rotation by signing Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. The deal marks an exciting step for both Sugano, who has long been one of Japan’s premier pitchers, and the Orioles, as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2024 MLB season.

 

Sugano, 34, comes to the Orioles after an accomplished career with the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he established himself as one of the league’s top pitchers. Over his 10 seasons with the Giants, Sugano posted impressive statistics, including a career ERA of 2.34 and over 1,300 strikeouts. He was named the Pacific League’s Most Valuable Player in 2017 and has earned several accolades for his performance, including multiple Gold Glove awards for his defensive prowess and selections to the NPB All-Star team. Sugano’s success in Japan made him a highly sought-after talent when he declared his intentions to move to the Major Leagues.

 

The Orioles, who have made significant strides in recent seasons with a young and promising roster, view Sugano as an essential addition to their pitching staff. Baltimore’s rotation has been a key area of focus, and the signing of Sugano is seen as an effort to bolster their depth and add a veteran presence to their rotation. Sugano brings not only his exceptional skill set but also a wealth of experience, having faced top-tier hitters in Japan and internationally, including during the World Baseball Classic.

 

In a recent interview, Sugano expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in Major League Baseball, noting that he had long dreamed of testing his skills in the United States. “I’m looking forward to joining a talented team like the Orioles and contributing to their success. I hope to help the team win and grow as a pitcher in the big leagues,” Sugano said. His decision to join the Orioles was influenced by the team’s commitment to growth and improvement, as well as the potential to contribute to a club that has shown promising signs of being on the rise.

 

For the Orioles, Sugano’s addition provides a level of stability and reliability to a rotation that has shown promise but needs consistency. His repertoire, which includes a well-commanded fastball, slider, and changeup, will allow him to adjust to various types of hitters in the American League. The experience Sugano brings could also be invaluable to Baltimore’s younger pitchers, as they learn from his approach to pitching and professionalism.

 

With this signing, the Orioles have added a proven winner to their ranks, signaling their intent to contend in the near future. As Sugano transitions to Major League Baseball, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the American game and how his presence impacts the Orioles’ success in 2024 and beyond.