Mets target Tomoyuki Sugano reportedly lands in America to weigh final offers

Right-hander's deadline to sign deal with MLB team is Jan. 7

1/2/2021, 3:59 PM
Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Japan pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against United States during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports / © Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Japan pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against United States during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports / © Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Tomoyuki Sugano has arrived in America and is reportedly meeting with his agent as he weighs final offers from several major league teams, according to Japanese outlet Hochi News.

Sugano’s deadline to sign a deal is Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi has reported that the Mets are among five teams actively pursuing the right-hander, along with the Blue Jays, Padres, Giants and Red Sox. Since that report, the Padres have brought in both Blake Snell and Yu Darvish to bolster their rotation, so it’s possible they could be out of the running.

Last month, Joel Sherman cited a non-Mets executive saying that the Mets had “as good a chance as anyone” to sign Sugano. Sherman also said that executives believe that big-market teams will have a “distinct” advantage to land him.

Sugano, 31, had an outstanding season for the Yomiuri Giants in 2020, posting a 14-2 record with a 1.97 ERA, striking out 131 batters and walking 25 in 137 1/3 innings.

Most scouts believe Sugano -- who features a low-90s fastball, plus slider, and elite command -- profiles as a mid-rotation starter in the majors, with the ceiling of a No. 2 starter. Unsurprisingly, he’s viewed as the prize of the overseas market this offseason.

0 seconds of 3 minutes, 15 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
03:15
03:15
 

Popular in the Community