Is Tomoyuki Sugano a Solution for the 2025 Padres Rotation?

The Padres' Rotation Woes

The San Diego Padres have a big hole in their rotation for the 2025 season. With Blake Snell, Chris Paddack, and Mike Clevinger all set to hit free agency, the Padres will need to find at least two new starters to fill out their rotation. One potential target is Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano.

Sugano is one of the most accomplished pitchers in Japan, having won two Sawamura Awards (the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young Award) and led the Yomiuri Giants to two Japan Series championships.

Sugano's Strengths

Sugano has a well-rounded repertoire that includes a fastball that can reach 95 mph, a devastating splitter, and a solid changeup. He also has excellent command of all three pitches. Sugano is a workhorse, averaging over 200 innings per season in Japan.

In 2022, Sugano went 11-5 with a 2.21 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 184 innings. He also led the Central League in WHIP (0.88) and strikeouts per nine innings (9.7).

Sugano's Weaknesses

Sugano does have some weaknesses. He can be prone to giving up home runs, and his velocity can dip at times. Sugano is also not the most athletic pitcher, so he may not be able to handle the workload of a major league starter.

Conclusion

Tomoyuki Sugano is a talented pitcher who could be a valuable addition to the Padres' rotation. He has a well-rounded repertoire, excellent command, and a proven track record of success. However, he also has some weaknesses, such as his home run proneness and his lack of athleticism. Overall, Sugano is a solid pitcher who could be a good fit for the Padres if they are looking for a durable innings eater.

However, it is important to note that Sugano will be 35 years old in 2025, and his performance could decline in the next few years. The Padres should also be aware of the fact that Sugano has never pitched in the United States, so there is some risk involved in signing him.