Tomoyuki Sugano is finally coming to the major leagues.
The Baltimore Orioles signed the star Japanese right-handed pitcher to a one-year, $13 million contract on Monday night. Sugano, who is 35 years old, is coming off an MVP season in Japan’s Central League, marking his third MVP win.
He spent 12 years with the Yomiuri Giants. After the 2020 season, the Giants posted Sugano, allowing MLB teams to bid for him, but he did not sign a deal at that time.
Last season, Sugano had an impressive record of 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA, walking only 16 batters in 156 2/3 innings. This MVP win follows his previous MVP awards in 2014 and 2020.
Sugano also played for Japan in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he gave up just three hits in six innings during the semifinal against the United States.
The Orioles are facing some pitching challenges after making the postseason in the past two years. Their ace, Corbin Burnes, is a free agent, and pitchers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells both had Tommy John surgery last year. Grayson Rodriguez also missed time due to a lat injury.
If Burnes doesn’t return, the Orioles’ starting rotation could include Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer. How much more the Orioles add to their rotation this offseason is still unclear. Sugano is seen as a potential option with some upside, and the contract carries low risk. However, Sugano can’t be sent to the minor leagues without his approval.
In addition to the $13 million salary, Sugano has the chance to earn extra money through performance bonuses: $50,000 for an All-Star selection, $100,000 for winning a Cy Young Award, $75,000 for second place, $50,000 for third place, $50,000 for a Gold Glove, $100,000 for a World Series MVP, and $50,000 for a League Championship Series MVP. He will become a free agent when his contract ends.
