Giants Eye Japanese Ace Tomoyuki Sugano in Offseason Pursuit
The San Francisco Giants are once again turning their attention to the international market, hoping to bolster their pitching staff with the addition of veteran Japanese ace Tomoyuki Sugano. According to ESPN Insider Jeff Passan, Sugano is poised to make the jump to Major League Baseball after a stellar season in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he posted an impressive 1.67 ERA over 24 starts.
At nearly 35 years old, Sugano still appears to have plenty left in the tank, and the Giants may finally seize the opportunity to bring him to the Bay Area. Back in 2020, the pitcher was posted for MLB teams, and the Giants were reportedly interested at that time. However, Sugano opted to return to Japan, where he continued to solidify his legendary status.
As the Giants aim to compete immediately, this offseason could be their chance to finally land the talented right-hander. Sugano has long been recognized as one of the premier pitchers in the world, boasting a career 2.45 ERA across 1,873.1 innings pitched during his 12-year tenure with the Yomiuri Giants. He’s a two-time MVP and an eight-time All-Star, showcasing a consistency that could benefit the Giants’ rotation.
Sugano’s unique skill set includes a rare six-pitch mix, featuring both four-seam and two-seam fastballs, a mid-to-low 80s slider, a cutter, a splitter, and a 77 mph curveball. This diversity could make him a valuable addition to a San Francisco starting rotation that struggled last season, ranking 18th in ERA and 23rd in WAR.
With Blake Snell hitting free agency and only Logan Webb guaranteed to return as a starter, the Giants are in dire need of reliable arms. Young pitchers Hayden Birdsong and Kyle Harrison have shown potential but lack the track record to be considered dependable options heading into a new season.
Sugano presents a low-risk investment for the Giants. While he may not replicate his sub-2.00 ERA from Japan, his vast experience and competitive spirit could make him an effective second or third starter in the rotation.
The offseason pitching market is expected to be bustling, with several big names, including Snell, on the move. As the Giants look to improve their pitching staff, Sugano could provide a value addition compared to higher-profile free agents, potentially helping the team return to contention in 2025.
