Tomoyuki Sugano is a Japanese right-handed pitcher who has spent his entire professional career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
2. What is Sugano's Current Status?
Sugano is currently in the midst of a renaissance season with the Central League champion Yomiuri Giants, posting a 1.67 ERA over 24 starts.
3. Why is Sugano Leaving Japan?
Sugano plans to leave Japan and sign a contract as an international free agent this winter, allowing him to join Major League Baseball (MLB) without any posting restrictions.
4. What are Sugano's Achievements in Japan?
Sugano is a two-time winner of the Sawamura Award (the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young Award), a two-time Central League MVP, and a four-time ERA champion.
5. How Did Sugano Almost Join MLB Before?
In 2020, the Giants posted Sugano, but he failed to reach an agreement with an MLB team before the posting deadline expired, leading him to return to Tokyo.
6. What Pitching Mix Does Sugano Use?
Sugano uses a six-pitch mix, including a four-seam fastball, two-seamer, slider, cutter, splitter, and curveball. This diverse arsenal has flummoxed NPB hitters.
7. How Has Sugano's Performance Improved This Season?
This season, Sugano has averaged 92 mph with his four-seam fastball and relied heavily on his two-seamer. He has also shown exceptional control, walking only 16 batters in 156 innings.
8. Who Are Some of Sugano's Peers in Japan?
Almost all of Sugano's best peers from his generation have already joined MLB, including Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Masahiro Tanaka, Kodai Senga, Kenta Maeda, Yusei Kikuchi, and Shota Imanaga.
9. What Are the Key Statistics for Sugano This Season?
Sugano has posted impressive statistics this season, including a 1.67 ERA, 111 strikeouts, and just six home runs allowed in a league with a lower home run rate compared to MLB.
10. How Will the Starting Pitching Market Shape Up This Winter?
The starting pitching market this winter is expected to be strong, with top prospects like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty. The market could also be influenced by other Japanese pitchers like Roki Sasaki.
11. What's Next for Sugano in MLB?
Sugano is set to enter the international free agent market this winter, where he will be highly sought after by MLB teams. His exceptional performance and diverse pitching mix make him an attractive addition to any team.
