Japanese Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to Join MLB as Free Agent

After a stellar career in Nippon Professional Baseball, Sugano aims to sign with a Major League team this offseason.

Tomoyuki Sugano, a right-handed pitcher from the Yomiuri Giants, has announced his intention to enter MLB free agency this winter.
Sugano, who turns 35 on October 11, is coming off a resurgent season with a 15-3 record and a 1.67 ERA in 2024.
He is a two-time Central League MVP and has won the Sawamura Award twice, with a career record of 136-74 and a 2.43 ERA in NPB.
Sugano previously attempted to join MLB in 2020 but returned to Japan after not reaching a deal during the posting window.
His free agency comes as the MLB market for starting pitchers is expected to be competitive, with several high-profile names available.