The Baltimore Orioles have made a move to add a right-hander to their pitching staff. It's not the one you were thinking.
On Monday night, the Orioles agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with Japanese righty Tomoyuki Sugano. The 35-year-old Sugano dominated the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization this season, posting a 1.67 ERA, and striking out 111 against 16 walks in 156 2/3 innings. ESPN's Jeff Passan had the news first.
Sugano has spent all 12 seasons of his career with the Yomiuri Giants and is a three-time Central League MVP, including winning it in 2024. He's also an eight-time NPB All-Star
Baltimore faces the prospect of losing ace Corbin Burnes this offseason. The 30-year-old righty is one of the top pitchers available on the free agent market and is being pursued heavily. The Orioles acquired Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers before the 2024 season in exchange for DL Hall, Joey Ortiz, and a compensation pick.
Burnes lived up to the hype in 2024 as he went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and 181 strikeouts against 48 walks in 194 1/3 innings.
He would be a big loss, so Baltimore has to hope Sugano helps make up for it.
More of the Latest Around MLB
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Orioles Agree to One-Year Deal With 35-Year-Old Japanese Rookie.
