Star pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano faces decisions as multiple teams, including the Mets, Jays, and Giants, express interest in his services.
Tomoyuki Sugano, the 31-year-old right-handed starting pitcher, has arrived in the United States, indicating a decision on his signing may be imminent. Sugano, who spent the last eight seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, has caught the attention of several MLB teams, including the New York Mets.
The Mets are one of the teams that could potentially sign Sugano, and he would fit their need for a starting pitcher. If signed, Sugano would join Marcus Stroman, David Peterson, and the returning Noah Syndergaard in the Mets' pitching staff. The potential signing of Sugano could provide the Mets with financial flexibility to acquire another mid-rotation arm.
In the 2020 season, Sugano went 14-2 with a 1.97 ERA, a 0.888 WHIP, and 131 strikeouts in 137 innings pitched. He has also won the Sawamura Award, Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young Award, twice. In 196 career games with the Yomiuri Giants, Sugano has a 101-49 record, a 2.34 ERA, a 1.032 WHIP, and a 4.58 strikeouts-to-walk ratio.
If Sugano is not signed within the one-month window, which ends on Jan. 7, he must return to play in Japan in 2021. The agreement between MLB and the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization sets this deadline. Sugano, if considered a No. 2 arm, would slot in behind Jacob deGrom for a significantly lower price compared to Trevor Bauer.
The Mets could have enough funds remaining to pursue star free-agent center fielder, George Springer, if they sign Sugano. However, as of now, Sugano has already joined and been playing for the Baltimore Orioles in MLB as of August 2025. He has made multiple starts for the Orioles in the 2025 season, including a performance on August 14, 2025, where he pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners.
Sugano's arrival in the United States suggests that a decision on his signing may be close to being made. However, the specific terms of Sugano's contracts with the Mets, Giants, and Blue Jays have not been disclosed. It remains to be seen whether Sugano will choose to stay with the Orioles or join a new team in the MLB.
The Mets, with their need for a starting pitcher, could potentially sign Sugano, who has caught the attention of several MLB teams and boasts a impressive record in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. If signed, Sugano's ability on the mound, demonstrated by his 14-2 record and 1.97 ERA in the 2020 season, could provide the Mets with a strong addition to their pitching staff.
