ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan brings us the latest on the Baltimore Orioles. In a significant move, the team has agreed to a one-year contract worth $13 million with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. This brings together one of the most successful Japanese pitchers of his generation with a team in need of rotation help.

The Orioles' Winter Pitching Move: Sugano Joins the Team

Tomoyuki Sugano's Baseball Journey

The 35-year-old Sugano is a two-time winner of the Sawamura Award, equivalent to the Cy Young Award in Nippon Professional Baseball. In 2020, he nearly made the jump to Major League Baseball after the Yomiuri Giants posted him. However, he returned to the Giants and continued to perform at a high level. This year, in 24 starts, he went 15-3 with an astonishing 1.67 ERA. Over 156 ⅔ innings, he struck out 111, walked only 16, and allowed just six home runs. His pitching repertoire is diverse, with nearly two-thirds of his pitches being off-speed, including a slider, cutter, curveball, and split-fingered fastball. Despite his fastball sitting around 92 mph, his off-speed pitches have been highly effective.

Baltimore's Pitching Search and Needs

This winter, the Baltimore Orioles have been actively canvassing the free agent market for pitching. With Corbin Burnes reaching free agency and right-handers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells returning from reconstructive elbow surgeries, they are looking to solidify their rotation. The team's recent postseason appearances have shown their potential, and adding Sugano to the mix gives them added depth. The Orioles' 2025 payroll is estimated to be around $110 million with the addition of Sugano's deal and the three-year, $49.5 million contract for outfielder Tyler O’Neill. The pitching market has been hot in the early parts of free agency, and the Orioles are looking to make the most of it.

The Impact of Camden Yards on Sugano

Sugano enters his 13th season and will play in a Camden Yards that will be less pitcher-friendly than last season. The Orioles are making changes to the left-field wall, which often led to home runs. In some places, the wall will be moved by as much as 20 feet. Sugano has been a heavy groundball pitcher throughout his career, inducing 51.1% ground balls this year. This change in the stadium could potentially affect his performance, but his experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to the team.