Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Hot Stove League Update: Orioles Sign Sugano

Tomoyuki Sugano, a veteran RHP from Japan, signed a 1 yr/$13 M contract with the Orioles.  That is of interest to Giants fans because there was early speculation the Giants might be in on him, although more recently the chase seems to have narrowed down to Corbin Burnes or bust.  

Tomoyuki Sugano RHP:  DOB:  10/11/1989.  6' 1", 198 lbs.

2024(NPB):  15-3, 1.67, 156.2 IP, 6.38 K/9, 0.92 BB/9.  

Sugano still pitched at a high level of success at age 34.  His FB velocity reportedly dipped from the mid-90's to the low 90's and his K rates are unimpressive, but his command is off the charts.  We will probably never know if the Giants made an offer.  He signed for an affordable price if they really wanted him.  For approximately equal offers it is possible he decided the Orioles were closer to a championship run and chose that.

Let's take a look at what's left on the free agent starting pitching market:

Corbin Burnes RHP(QO)- The clear top of what's left on the market.  What's taking so long?  You have to think the days going by with no news is not good news for the Giants.

Walker Buehler RHP(No QO):  Reportedly seeking a multi-year deal.  Personally I would do it for no more than 3 years.  IMO he's the highest ceiling for the lowest price in this FA class, but you have to respect the injury history.

Jack Flaherty RHP(No QO):  The type of innings eater the Giants needs but has been inconsistent and won't be cheap.

Andrew Heaney LHP(No QO):  Gives innings but ERA over 4 the last two years for the Rangers.

Sean Manaea LHP(QO):  I wanted FZ to resign him after the 2023 season.  While I would give up the draft picks for Burnes, probably would not for Manaea.

Nick Pivetta RHP(QO):  Would not give up draft picks to sign him.

Cal Quantrill RHP(No QO):  Nobody is talking about him.  He'll give you innings, should be affordable and his ERA should look a lot better pitching his home games in Oracle Park vs Coors Field.

Max Scherzer RHP(No QO):  Missed quite a bit of time with a hammy injury last season but pitched at least 145 innings/season the previous 3 seasons.  Does he have anything left in the tank?

Justin Verlander RHP(No QO):  K rate is down and ERA ballooned to 5.48 last season with the Astros.  Does he have anything left in the tank?

Roki Sasaki RHP(No QO):  I take it back that Walker Buehler is the highest ceiling for the lowest price. That would be Sasaki who is limited to signing for international prospect bonus pool money and would be an immediate ace.  The problem is it's a complete crapshoot as to who he will choose.  The Dodgers are the obvious frontrunner and there are several other teams likely ahead of the Giants in the Sasaki Line.

There are several potential trade candidates out there including Dylan Cease RHP but that is way more speculative than the free agent market.

No comments:

Post a Comment