Tomoyuki Sugano’s Highly Anticipated First Start with the Baltimore Orioles: A Detailed Look

The Baltimore Orioles’ acquisition of Tomoyuki Sugano in December 2024 was one of the most highly anticipated moves of the offseason. A dominant force in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sugano’s transition to Major League Baseball (MLB) was met with a great deal of excitement and speculation. Having built an impressive career with the Yomiuri Giants, which included winning two Eiji Sawamura Awards and three Central League MVPs, Sugano’s move to the United States marked the beginning of a new chapter in his baseball journey.

On February 26, 2025, Sugano made his long-awaited debut for the Orioles in a Spring Training matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This performance was not only the first test of his skills in the MLB but also a significant moment for the Orioles, who are eager to bolster their pitching staff with an experienced international talent. The debut, lasting two scoreless innings, was a promising sign for Sugano’s potential in the majors, and it brought about several key observations that are worth examining.

The Significance of Sugano’s MLB Transition

Sugano’s decision to come to the U.S. and enter the MLB posting system was years in the making. After a remarkable NPB career, where he was widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in Japan, the question wasn’t whether Sugano could handle MLB hitters, but how he would adjust his pitching style to meet the higher level of competition. With the Orioles signing him to a one-year, $13 million deal, the stakes were high—not only for Sugano’s future but also for a team looking to capitalize on the progress they’ve made in recent seasons.

While many pitchers struggle to make the transition from NPB to MLB, Sugano’s blend of experience, control, and baseball IQ gave the Orioles confidence that he would be able to adapt and contribute immediately.

A Promising Spring Training Debut

In his first appearance for the Orioles, Sugano faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in a Spring Training game on February 26. In two innings of work, Sugano allowed two hits, one walk, and no runs while striking out two batters. He threw 28 pitches in total, a low number that showed his ability to keep his pitch count manageable and work efficiently.

Perhaps most notable in his performance was his control. While his fastball didn’t crack the mid-90s like some of the MLB’s harder throwers, it consistently hovered around 92-93 mph, which is plenty effective when combined with his sharp command and secondary pitches. Sugano’s effectiveness wasn’t just about raw velocity—it was about placement. He located his pitches well, especially his off-speed offerings, which kept hitters guessing and off balance. His diverse pitch arsenal, which includes a changeup, cutter, curveball, and a sweeping slider (sweeper), was on full display and proved to be an asset in his first outing.

One of Sugano’s defining characteristics in Japan was his ability to induce weak contact and ground balls, and this was evident during his Spring Training debut. He was efficient in his approach, relying on a mix of breaking balls and fastballs to keep Pirates hitters from solidly connecting. His ability to induce groundouts and weak fly balls, as well as his measured pace, were key factors that allowed him to escape the inning without allowing any runs.

Pitching Strategy: Command Over Velocity

What stood out most in Sugano’s debut wasn’t the speed of his pitches, but his precise location. He relies on his pinpoint accuracy to keep hitters from getting comfortable in the box. Sugano’s changeup, which he used effectively in his first start, was particularly impressive. The pitch hovered around 84 mph and had great movement, tailing away from right-handed batters and sinking sharply.

In addition to his changeup, Sugano’s cutter—another staple of his NPB repertoire—was also on display. The cutter helped him establish inside and outside corners, often leading hitters to roll over pitches or swing weakly. His ability to mix his pitches and keep hitters guessing will be essential as he faces more experienced MLB batters.

His curveball, which operates as a slower pitch in his arsenal, was also a key tool in his ability to throw off hitters’ timing. Sugano’s ability to change speeds effectively, combined with the late break on his pitches, meant that he was able to command the at-bats rather than rely on overpowering hitters with velocity. This approach could prove to be an effective strategy for the 34-year-old as he navigates the high-powered offenses in the MLB.

Teammates Weigh In: Praise from Orioles Players

While much of the attention surrounding Sugano’s debut was focused on his performance on the mound, his teammates also took notice of his presence and poise. Veteran catcher Gary Sánchez, who has caught for many of the MLB’s top pitchers, spoke highly of Sugano’s command and the confidence he displayed during bullpen sessions leading up to the game. Sánchez pointed out that Sugano’s ability to stay calm and composed on the mound, even during his first outing for a new team, was a sign of his experience and professionalism.

Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ starting catcher, also had praise for Sugano’s demeanor. After the game, Rutschman noted that Sugano’s pitches were easy to read and had exceptional movement, which would make him an asset in the Orioles’ rotation. Rutschman highlighted Sugano’s ability to change speeds and keep hitters off-balance, pointing out that it would be an asset to the team over the course of the season.

The positive feedback from teammates reinforced the idea that Sugano could become an important piece of the Orioles’ pitching staff. His maturity, pitching IQ, and ability to execute a diverse set of pitches at a high level make him an intriguing option for manager Brandon Hyde as he looks to round out his rotation for the 2025 season.

What Sugano Brings to the Orioles’ Rotation

The Orioles have made strides in recent years, with a young core of players and a solid lineup of position players. However, the starting pitching staff has been a work in progress, and adding an experienced veteran like Sugano can help stabilize the rotation. Sugano’s style of pitching, which emphasizes control, ground balls, and limiting hard contact, complements the Orioles’ existing pitching staff.

The Orioles’ rotation has been known for relying on strikeouts and high velocity, but Sugano’s approach offers something different. His ability to induce weak contact and minimize hard-hit balls could allow him to be a valuable addition. He might not have the strikeout potential of some of the team’s younger pitchers, but he can provide a stabilizing presence in the middle of the rotation, offering quality innings and keeping the defense engaged.

Moreover, Sugano’s experience in high-pressure situations, having pitched in Japan’s high-stakes games for years, could prove valuable when the Orioles are facing critical matchups. His leadership and presence on the mound will likely have a positive influence on some of the younger pitchers in the clubhouse.