Before the 2025 MLB season began, the Baltimore Orioles signed Tomoyuki Sugano, a seasoned pitcher from Japan, to a one-year, $13 million contract with hopes of bolstering their starting rotation. The move aimed to add reliability behind fellow veteran Charlie Morton and to help the Orioles maintain innings stability throughout the year.
Sugano, an ace in Nippon Professional Baseball, brought extensive experience to a team looking for consistency at the backend of the rotation. This signing also represented a strategic step for Baltimore to enhance their presence in the international free agent market.
Sugano’s Resurgent Performance in the Major Leagues
Sugano has delivered a commendable first MLB season with a 4.13 ERA across 23 starts, pitching 126.1 innings with pinpoint control that compensates for a modest strikeout rate. After a midseason slump that raised concerns about possible pitch tipping, he has mounted an impressive recovery. During that difficult stretch, he allowed 50 hits including eight home runs in just 32 innings, resulting in a 7.88 ERA.
Since then, Sugano has shown remarkable resilience, posting a 1.91 ERA over his last five outings. His ability to limit damage, exemplified by a recent game in Boston where he retired batters after five innings without giving up an earned run, has solidified his position as a dependable starter for the Orioles.
“Tomoyuki Sugano has been pitching much better as of late, having not allowed more than one run in each of his last three starts.The starter after five innings with no earned runs in Boston. pic.twitter.com/wDP7zrjWSc” — Orioles on MASN
True Orioles Rookies Face Challenges in 2025
The recognition of Sugano as the Orioles’ best rookie this season highlights the ongoing struggles of Baltimore’s actual young homegrown talent. Though Sugano qualifies as a rookie by MLB standards, his age of 35 and lengthy professional background in Japan make this an unusual scenario for a team hoping to develop fresh talent.
Chad Jennings of The Athletic noted Sugano’s status as the team’s best rookie, a label that underscores the underperformance of Baltimore’s traditional rookies so far this year. This development is a disappointment given the high expectations set for the Orioles’ emerging players.
“This week’s edition is powered by the league’s rookies making big contributions to every club.From Roman Anthony to Nick Kurtz, spotlighting 30 players: https://t.co/9j98MzBTwU” — The Athletic
Among those rookies, Coby Mayo struggled out of the gate but now receives regular playing time, aiming to find better form during the season’s second half. Brandon Young, another young pitcher, posted a 5.68 ERA and showed flashes of excellence by carrying a perfect game deep into a recent start.
Young Orioles Seek to Make Their Mark Down the Stretch
Looking ahead, outfielder Dylan Beavers and catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo are positioned to claim the title of best rookie on the Orioles in 2025. Both will have increased opportunities late in the season to demonstrate their potential and earn larger roles moving into 2026 and beyond.
After a season filled with challenges for Baltimore’s young talent, strong performances from Beavers and Basallo could represent a hopeful sign for the franchise’s future and provide an encouraging finish to an otherwise tough year.