Orioles Sign 35-Year-Old Japanese Rookie to Exciting One-Year Deal!

The Baltimore Orioles are boosting their pitching roster with a new addition, but it might not be the player you expected.

This Monday evening, the Orioles finalized a one-year deal worth $13 million with Tomoyuki Sugano, a skilled right-handed pitcher from Japan. The 35-year-old Sugano had an impressive season in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, achieving a 1.67 ERA and racking up 111 strikeouts with only 16 walks over 156 2/3 innings. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report this signing.

Sugano has dedicated all 12 seasons of his professional career to playing for the Yomiuri Giants, earning three Central League MVP titles, including his latest in 2024. Additionally, he is an eight-time NPB All-Star.

Amidst this acquisition, the Orioles are facing the potential departure of their star pitcher Corbin Burnes. The 30-year-old, who is a top free agent this offseason, is attracting significant interest. Baltimore originally obtained Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the 2024 season in a trade involving DL Hall, Joey Ortiz, and a compensation pick.

Burnes delivered an outstanding performance in 2024, boasting a record of 15-9, a 2.92 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 181 strikeouts against 48 walks in 194 1/3 innings.

Losing Burnes would be a significant hit to the team; hence, the Orioles are hopeful that Sugano’s addition will significantly bolster their pitching lineup.

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