Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tomoyuki Sugano

Discover the career path of Tomoyuki Sugano, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tomoyuki Sugano is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Colorado Rockies in MLB. He previously played for the Baltimore Orioles in MLB and the Yomiuri Giants in NPB. He has achieved significant recognition in his career, including winning the Central League Most Valuable Player Award three times and the Eiji Sawamura Award twice, highlighting his accomplishments and impact in professional baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Career-High Speed in College

In 2010, while at Tokai University, Tomoyuki Sugano set a career-high speed of 157 km/h (98 mph).

October 2011: NPB Draft

In October 2011, Tomoyuki Sugano was a top pitching prospect for the NPB draft and declared his desire to join the Yomiuri Giants. However, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters won the draft lottery.

2012: Decision to Re-enter NPB Draft

In 2012, Tomoyuki Sugano decided to turn down the Fighters' offer and re-enter the 2012 NPB draft, expressing his childhood dream of playing for the Giants.

2012: Giants' First Pick and Climax Series MVP

In 2012, Tomoyuki Sugano was selected as the Giants' first pick. During his rookie year he was also named Climax Series MVP and made his first of six consecutive NPB All-Star Games.

2014: Central League MVP and ERA Title

In 2014, Tomoyuki Sugano won the Central League MVP and his first ERA title.

2015: WBSC Premier12 Bronze Medal

In 2015, Tomoyuki Sugano played for the Japan national baseball team at the WBSC Premier12, winning a bronze medal.

2016: Career-High Speed

After rehab, in 2016 Tomoyuki Sugano set a pro career-high 96 mph.

2017: Central League MVP and Eiji Sawamura Award

In 2017, Tomoyuki Sugano won the Central League MVP Award and the Eiji Sawamura Award, becoming the first Giants pitcher to win both in the same season since Masumi Kuwata.

2017: World Baseball Classic

In 2017, at the World Baseball Classic Tomoyuki Sugano tied with Kodai Senga for the tournament lead in strikeouts with 16, but Japan fell in the semi-finals.

2018: Declined MLB Japan All-Star Series

In 2018, Tomoyuki Sugano was selected to participate in the MLB Japan All-Star Series, but declined due to concerns about his physical condition.

2018: Second Consecutive Eiji Sawamura Award and Pitching Triple Crown

In 2018, Tomoyuki Sugano won his second consecutive Eiji Sawamura Award and achieved the pitching triple crown, leading the league in strikeouts, ERA, and wins. He also threw a postseason no hitter against the Yakult Swallows.

2019: Worst Career ERA

In 2019, Tomoyuki Sugano finished the season with an ERA of 3.89, the worst of his career. He also threw the fewest innings of his NPB career and had his fewest strikeouts.

December 8, 2020: Giants Allow Sugano to Enter Posting System

On December 8, 2020, the Giants announced that they were allowing Tomoyuki Sugano to enter the posting system to potentially play in Major League Baseball (MLB).

January 7, 2021: Re-signing with the Giants

On January 7, 2021, Tomoyuki Sugano's posting period ended, and he did not sign with an MLB team, instead re-signing with the Giants.

December 16, 2024: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles

On December 16, 2024, Tomoyuki Sugano signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball.

2024: Named Central League MVP

In 2024, Tomoyuki Sugano made 24 appearances for the Giants, compiling a 15–3 record and 1.67 ERA with 111 strikeouts. Following the 2024 season, Sugano was named the Central League MVP.