Tue Dec 17 00:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Orioles Sign Japanese Star Pitcher Sugano to One-Year, $13 Million Deal
**Baltimore, MD** – The Baltimore Orioles have bolstered their pitching rotation with the signing of 35-year-old Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year, $13 million contract. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, brings a highly decorated pitcher to the MLB.
Sugano, a two-time winner of the Sawamura Award (Japan’s equivalent of the Cy Young Award), spent 12 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). In 2024, he had a stellar season, leading the Giants to a first-place finish and earning the Central League MVP award. His impressive statistics included a 1.67 ERA, 111 strikeouts, and only 16 walks in 156.2 innings pitched. While his team ultimately fell short in the playoffs, Sugano’s individual performance cemented his reputation as one of NPB’s top pitchers.
The Orioles beat out other teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, for Sugano’s services. He was previously posted after the 2020 season but ultimately re-signed with the Giants. This signing represents a significant investment by the Orioles, who are hoping Sugano’s experience and talent will contribute to their postseason aspirations.
First Piper 