On November 16, 2023, the Baltimore Orioles made headlines by officially announcing their signing of Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. This contract marks Sugano's first foray onto the Major League Baseball (MLB) stage after making waves during his time with the Yomiuri Giants.
The deal, reported to be worth $13 million for one season (approximately 2 billion yen), has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike, especially considering his impressive track record back home. Jeff Passan from ESPN was among the first to break the news, noting Sugano's standout performance during the previous season where he recorded 156.2 innings pitched with an impressive ERA of 1.67, alongside 111 strikeouts and only 16 walks.
This signing could be seen as both hopeful and strategic for the Orioles, especially as they aim to strengthen their starting rotation heading toward the next season. The team’s former ace, Corbin Burnes, recently hit free agency and is rumored to be drawing interest from various teams, compliciating the Orioles' plans to retain him. Given Burnes’ exceptional 15-win season with the team, his potential exit leaves the Orioles seeking reliable talent to fill the void.
According to Newsweek, Sugano is viewed as "an attractive option" should the Orioles fail to secure Burnes' services. While it’s acknowledged he might not fully replace Burnes’ productivity right away due to the adjustment period newcomers often face, expectations are high for Sugano's performance.
His past achievements stand out: during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Sugano was instrumental for Japan, tying for the tournament’s most strikeouts. This exposure enhances his profile and makes him more appealing for the Orioles and their supporters. The official announcement from the Orioles included greetings both in English and Japanese, demonstrating their commitment to welcoming Sugano and bridging the gap between the American and Japanese styles of baseball.
On social media, the reaction from fans has been largely positive. Many expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing Sugano pitch at the major league level, calling it exciting and confirming their enthusiasm about his joining the Orioles. Comments flowed as fans celebrated their new player, with sentiments like, "MLB feels closer now" and optimistic wishes for his success, saying things like, "I believe he will win lots of games!" Others noted how they hope he brings along his former teammate Seiji Kobayashi, who played a significant role alongside him during their time at the Giants.
Yet, not all responses were overwhelmingly positive. Some local fans admitted their unfamiliarity with Sugano, prompting them to question whether he could adjust to the demands of MLB at age 35. Observations of his age and the pressure to deliver right away hinted at wider concerns about how this seasoned pitcher could adapt to new challenges.
Sugano's transition to MLB has been anticipated since 2020, when he initially sought to enter the league via the posting system but did not secure a contract. His delayed arrival now raises excitement around what his contributions will entail, particularly as the Orioles look to position themselves more favorably for the upcoming season.
It’s clear, the Orioles' fanbase and management alike are eager to see how Sugano performs on this new stage; the anticipation surrounding his commencement at MLB indicates both high stakes and great hope for the future. The next chapter for Sugano and Baltimore promises to be one full of both potential challenges and exciting opportunities as they work toward achieving success on the field.
