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Baseball

Japanese Right-Hander Sugano Joins Orioles on 1-Year Contract

2024-12-17

The Baltimore Orioles made a significant move on Monday as they reached an agreement with veteran Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano on a one-year major league contract. This acquisition is set to bring a new dimension to the team's pitching staff. With his impressive track record in Nippon Professional Baseball, Sugano is expected to make an impact in the American League. The 35-year-old, who won his third Central League MVP award this year after going 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA in 24 games for the Yomiuri Giants, is set to earn $13 million, according to The Associated Press. Sugano has a remarkable 136-74 career record with a 2.43 ERA in 276 games over 12 seasons with the Tokyo-based Giants. His pitching prowess has been widely recognized, having won the Eiji Sawamura Award in 2017 and 2018.

Background and Previous Attempts

Sugano had previously tried to move to the major leagues after the 2020 season via the posting system but was unable to reach a deal. This setback did not deter him from pursuing his dream of playing in the major leagues, and now he has finally secured a contract with the Baltimore Orioles. His experience and skills make him a valuable addition to the team, and fans are eager to see him take the mound in an Orioles uniform.

Impact on the Orioles

The Orioles finished second in the American League East this year behind the New York Yankees. The addition of Sugano is expected to strengthen their pitching rotation and give them a better chance of competing for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. Former Boston Red Sox closer and Yomiuri ace Koji Uehara spent the first two and a half seasons of his major league career with the Orioles from 2009, and now Sugano will join the ranks of former Japanese players who have made an impact in Baltimore. His presence on the team is likely to inspire the younger pitchers and provide leadership on and off the field.

Comparison with Other Japanese Players in the Majors

Sugano joins a growing list of successful Japanese players in the major leagues. Players like Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka have made significant contributions to their respective teams, and Sugano hopes to follow in their footsteps. His pitching style and experience in Japanese baseball will bring a unique perspective to the Orioles' pitching staff. He will face the challenge of adapting to the American League's style of play but is confident in his abilities to make the transition.