After an impressive 12-year career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Tomoyuki Sugano is gearing up to make a significant move to Major League Baseball (MLB) this offseason, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The 35-year-old pitcher from California meets the international free agency requirements with nine years of NPB service, allowing him to bypass the traditional posting system and negotiate directly with MLB teams.
Sugano’s illustrious career with the Yomiuri Giants has been decorated with eight All-Star selections, two Central League MVP awards, and two prestigious Eiji Sawamura Awards, recognizing him as NPB’s top starting pitcher. Despite these accolades, Sugano opted not to pursue an MLB opportunity after being posted in 2020, choosing instead to re-sign with the Giants on a lucrative four-year, $40 million deal. This contract included the flexibility to opt out each season, but Sugano remained with the team through the entire term.
The decision to stay was likely influenced by a dip in performance and recurring injuries from 2021 to 2023. During these years, Sugano’s ERA climbed to 3.19, 3.12, and 3.36, respectively, and his strikeout rates saw a gradual decline. Additionally, injuries limited his playtime, restricting him to just 77.2 innings pitched in 2023. While his performance was still respectable, these challenges may have deterred him from risking his guaranteed salary by entering free agency prematurely.
However, the 2024 season marked a triumphant return for Sugano. Over 156.2 innings pitched, he recorded an impressive 15-3 win-loss record with a career-best 1.67 ERA. His strikeout rate, though slightly reduced to 18.3%, remained formidable, complemented by a career-low walk rate of 2.6% and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.94. Moreover, Sugano showcased his dominance by limiting home runs to just six over 608 batters faced and delivering three complete games—the first of his career since 2021.
With his outstanding 2024 performance reigniting interest, Sugano has now enlisted the expertise of VC Sports Group to navigate the MLB free-agent market. This offseason is already buzzing with pitching talent, featuring names like Corbin Burnes, Yusei Kikuchi, Max Fried, Jack Flaherty, and Blake Snell, who holds a player option for 2025. At 35, Sugano is likely seeking a shorter-term contract, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their starting rotation without long-term commitments.
“Tomoyuki Sugano has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, making him a valuable asset for any MLB team looking for immediate impact,” said Francys Romero, reporter at ESPN. “His ability to maintain control and adapt his pitching style as he ages sets him apart in a highly competitive market.”
As Sugano enters the free agency phase, MLB teams will be closely monitoring his availability and performance metrics. His blend of experience, recent performance surge, and demonstrated ability to excel under pressure make him a compelling candidate for teams aiming to enhance their pitching depth. The upcoming negotiations will be pivotal, not only for Sugano’s career but also for the MLB landscape as teams vie for top-tier pitching talent to secure their postseason aspirations.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see which MLB team will secure Sugano’s services, anticipating that his addition could provide a significant boost to a pitching staff striving for excellence. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on Tomoyuki Sugano, watching to see if his journey leads him to the bright lights and competitive fervor of Major League Baseball.
