Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Japan starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) pitches against the United States during the second inning of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The Orioles signed 35-year-old right-handed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to a contract reportedly worth $13 million.
Sugano, who was ranked 46th on MLBTradeRumors.com’s top 50 free agents, was 136-75 with a 2.45 ERA in 12 seasons for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
Last season, Sugano was 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA in 24 starts, striking out 111 and walking just 16 in 156 2/3 innings, allowing only six home runs.
Sugano becomes a candidate for the Orioles’ starting rotation, joining Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Cade Povich and Albert Suárez, who pitched in Japan from 2019-2021.
He’s the first Japanese free agent signed by executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias. The Orioles traded for Japanese right-hander Shintaro Fujinami in July 2023.
The Orioles’ 40-man roster is now full.
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