Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox’s Pursuit of Tomoyuki Sugano: A Shifting Landscape in 2025
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In a surprising turn of events during the 2024-25 MLB offseason, Japanese pitching star Tomoyuki Sugano chose the Baltimore Orioles over long-time suitors Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. The 35-year-old right-hander signed a one-year, $13 million contract in December 2024, reshaping the strategic plans of both National League and American League contenders.
Sugano's Path to the Majors
After 12 dominant seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, Sugano brings an impressive resume to Baltimore:
- Two-time Sawamura Award winner (2017, 2021)
- Three-time Central League MVP
- 1.67 ERA with 111 strikeouts in final NPB season
Scouts note his precise 92mph fastball and devastating splitter could play well in MLB, though analysts project a 4.38-4.74 ERA adjustment period.
Cubs' Pivot After Missing Out
Chicago's rotation plans took a hit with Sugano's Baltimore move. Despite acquiring slugger Kyle Tucker, their pitching staff remains top-heavy:
- Reliant on Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga
- $185 million luxury tax limit restricts big moves
- Now targeting mid-tier arms like Michael Wacha
Red Sox's Alternative Approach
Boston took a different path by blending established talent with promising arms:
- Acquired Garrett Crochet from White Sox
- Signed Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval
- Maintained $93.7 million payroll flexibility
"We're building sustainable competitiveness," manager Alex Cora noted, emphasizing ground-ball specialists for Fenway Park's unique dimensions.
Orioles' Strategic Gamble
Baltimore sees Sugano as both a rotation stabilizer and mentor:
- Slotted behind Grayson Rodríguez and Zach Eflin
- Expected to guide young arms like Dean Kremer
- Continues franchise's Japanese player legacy (Uehara, Fujinami)
2025 Season Implications
This signing creates ripple effects across MLB:
- Orioles strengthen AL East title hopes
- Cubs must develop internal pitching solutions
- Red Sox balance immediate needs with long-term planning
Key Takeaways
As Sugano adapts to MLB hitters, his performance could validate Baltimore's bold move while testing the alternative strategies employed by Chicago and Boston. The 2025 season will reveal whether NPB dominance translates to American success.
