Orioles' bold bet: Sign 35-year-old Japanese pitcher set to become one of MLB's oldest rookies

Baseball continues to defy age barriers in Baltimore as the Orioleshave secured the services of 35-year-old Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. Known for his remarkable versatility and extensive experience, Sugano has agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with the Orioles, according to ESPN. This g marks a significant acquisition for the team, as Sugano brings with him 12 years of professional expertise from the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, where he spent his entire career with the Yomiuri Giants.

Sugano's track record speaks for itself. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Sawamura Award, Japan's equivalent to MLB's Cy Young Award, he is celebrated for his diverse pitching arsenal. His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball averaging 92 mph, a two-seamer, and an array of off-speed pitches such as a cutter, slider, splitter, and curveball.

Over his 12 seasons with the Giants, Sugano compiled an impressive 136-74 record with a sterling 2.43 ERA. His ability to induce swings and misses while maintaining command in the strike zone has made him a standout talent.

Defying expectations for his age, Sugano delivered one of his finest performances in 2024. With a remarkable 1.67 ERA-the second-lowest of his career-he demonstrated his enduring skill and adaptability. Over 156 2/3 innings, he struck out 111 batters and issued only 16 walks, setting career lows in earned runs and home runs allowed. This level of consistency and dominance makes him a valuable addition to the Orioles' pitching staff.

A game-changer for Baltimore's pitching staff

Baltimore's pitching staff already performed irably last season, posting a combined 3.94 ERA, ranking 14th among major league teams. The starting rotation was particularly strong, with a 3.77 ERA that tied for fifth-lowest in the league alongside the Chicago Cubs.

Sugano's arrival bolsters an already solid group and comes at a crucial time as the Orioles face uncertainty regarding their ace pitcher, Corbin Burnes. The 30-year-old former Cy Young winner is drawing interest from teams like the Giants and Blue Jays, leaving Baltimore with tough decisions ahead.

Sugano's g highlights the Orioles' commitment to maintaining their competitive edge. As Sugano himself has shown throughout his career, age is no barrier when it comes to delivering excellence on the mound. His addition provides both depth and experience to a team that has its sights set on continued success in the coming season.