Breaking News: Cubs Lands Top Pitcher On Free Agency

Right-hander has long been anticipated by fans for his eventual arrival in MLB, but there’s now another Japanese starting pitcher hitting the free agency market this offseason who aligns with Jed Hoyer’s interests. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, veteran pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano is expected to sign with an MLB team this winter as an international free agent. Sugano, who turns 35 in a week, has spent his entire professional career in Japan’s NPB and is enjoying a standout season with a 1.67 ERA over 24 starts for the Central League champion Yomiuri Giants.

A two-time winner of the Sawamura Award (the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young), Sugano has also claimed the Central League MVP award twice and has led the league in ERA four times. After spending 12 years with the Giants, he boasts a record of 136-75, including a league-high win total of 15-3 this season. He is set to pitch for Yomiuri in the Central Climax Series.

While Sugano doesn’t throw at high velocities, averaging 92 mph with his fastball, he utilizes a diverse six-pitch mix that has effectively baffled hitters in the NPB, coupled with pinpoint command. He has averaged 4.5 strikeouts for every walk during his career, with a 111/16 strikeout-to-walk ratio this year that, while not as high as fellow Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga’s final season total, remains impressive. One area where Sugano has excelled over Imanaga is in limiting home runs, allowing only six long balls in 156.2 innings.

 

The Cubs are expected to pursue a top-of-the-rotation arm in free agency or through trades this offseason. While Sugano may not fit that exact profile, there’s a possibility that his market could be weak due to his age. If that happens, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hoyer make a move to add depth to the pitching staff. Though he might not top any free agent lists, Sugano presents an intriguing option, especially considering his impressive career stats, including a 2.43 ERA over 1,857 innings pitched in 12 seasons.