MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that the San Francisco Giants are among the teams considering veteran NPB ace. The 35-year-old pitcher is a free agent and expected to join an MLB team this winter after a stellar 12-year career with the Yomiuri Giants, winners of 22 Japan Series titles.
Adding Him would be an intriguing move for San Francisco, particularly in Buster Posey’s first offseason as president of baseball operations. The Giants’ current rotation includes Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Kyle Harrison, with Jordan Hicks potentially returning to a starting role. Additionally, younger arms like Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, Mason Black, Keaton Winn, and top prospect Carson Whisenhunt are competing for spots.
Although Sugano would be an MLB rookie, his extensive experience could bolster the Giants’ rotation depth. A six-man rotation, common in Japan, might be considered to ease the workload on younger pitchers and accommodate Sugano’s preferences, though it could impact veterans like Webb or Ray who are accustomed to a five-man rotation.
Due to his age, He is projected to sign a one-year, $12 million contract, though a two-year deal is possible. This relatively affordable option aligns with reports that the Giants plan to scale back spending after exceeding the luxury tax threshold in 2024. San Francisco’s payroll for 2025 currently sits just under $155 million, leaving room to invest further while staying below their previous Opening Day payroll of $208 million and the $241 million luxury tax threshold.
The Giants are also exploring upgrades to their offense, with names like Willy Adames, Ha-Seong Kim, and even Juan Soto reportedly on their radar. This suggests Posey may prioritize adding a big bat while opting for more cost-effective pitching solutions like Sugano.
This isn’t the Giants’ first pursuit of Sugano; they were among several MLB teams interested when he was posted by the Yomiuri Giants during the 2020-21 offseason. Sugano ultimately stayed in Japan, signing a four-year, $40 million deal with opt-out clauses he chose not to exercise, completing the contract instead.
One of Japan’s top pitchers over the last decade, Sugano boasts a career 2.43 ERA over 12 NPB seasons and 1,857 innings. Known for his exceptional control, he has a career walk rate of just 4.68% and has earned numerous accolades, including two Central League MVPs, two Sawamura Awards, and eight All-Star selections. Even at 34, he excelled in 2024, posting a 1.67 ERA over 156 2/3 innings.
Be the first to comment