The Philadelphia Phillies are actively pursuing Japanese pitching legend as they look to bolster their rotation ahead of the 2025 season. With rumors swirling around the MLB offseason and marquee names like Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki grabbing headlines, Sugano has been slightly overshadowed but remains a significant free-agent target for the Phillies.
Sugano, a 35-year-old right-hander, recently filed for international free agency after an impressive 12-year career with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). This past season, he posted a stellar 15-3 record with a 1.67 ERA and an impressive WHIP of 0.95.
Known for his six-pitch arsenal, Sugano has exceptional command, yielding only 0.9 walks per nine innings—a key factor that makes him particularly attractive to MLB clubs like the Phillies. Over his career in Japan, he has built a resume that includes two Sawamura Awards (Japan’s Cy Young equivalent) and a 2.45 ERA with over 1,500 strikeouts in nearly 1,900 innings.
The Phillies, one of six teams reportedly interested in Sugano, have recently increased their Japanese scouting efforts. According to reports from Nikkan Sports, Phillies scouts have been actively assessing both Sugano and Sasaki, recognizing the potential for either pitcher to make an impact on the team’s rotation depth.
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MLB sources suggest that Sugano may only require a short-term contract, with MLB Trade Rumors predicting a one-year, $12 million deal, which could make him a valuable low-risk acquisition as the Phillies aim for more postseason successthe Phillies remain in the hunt for Sasaki, whose youth and dominance are enticing, Sugano’s extensive experience and proven track record could offer immediate stability to a team eager to build upon recent playoff appearances.
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