Tomoyuki Sugano, one of Japan’s most decorated pitchers, might be taking his talents to Major League Baseball after a heartbreaking end to his 2024 season. The Yomiuri Giants’ star pitcher suffered two tough losses to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the Climax Series, first with a hard-fought seven-inning, two-run performance in Game 2 that ended in a 2-1 defeat, and then as a reliever in Game 6, where he surrendered the winning run in the ninth inning, sealing the series for Yokohama.
Despite the bitter playoff exit, Sugano’s stellar career remains undeniable. An eight-time All-Star, two-time Central League MVP, and two-time Eiji Sawamura Award winner (Japan’s equivalent of the Cy Young), Sugano has been a cornerstone for the Giants and a dominant force in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Known for his consistency and durability, the 34-year-old right-hander has thrown 1857 innings since his rookie season in 2013—an average of nearly seven innings per game. To put that in perspective, only a handful of MLB pitchers, including Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole, Kyle Gibson, and Justin Verlander, have thrown more innings over that time span.
MLB teams are likely to pay close attention to Sugano as he prepares for a potential move stateside this winter. His age suggests he won’t be seeking a long-term deal, which could make him a highly attractive, low-risk addition for teams looking to bolster their rotations with an experienced arm. Sugano’s durability and big-game experience are qualities in high demand, and his willingness to take a short-term contract could make him even more enticing for clubs across the league.
This isn’t the first time Sugano has been linked to MLB. During the 2020-21 offseason, he drew interest from the Giants, Mets, Red Sox, Padres, Blue Jays, and Rangers before ultimately deciding to stay in Japan. This time, however, the VC Sports Group client appears more determined to make the jump to the U.S., though it’s still unknown which teams he’s targeting or where the strongest interest might lie.
As the offseason heats up, Sugano’s name is expected to circulate heavily in free agency rumors. With his reputation and track record, he’s bound to be one of the most intriguing international prospects this winter. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see if he finally makes his long-anticipated MLB debut.
