The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central, but could be looking for starting pitchers near the Major League Baseball trade deadline.
Finding the right arm will be key for the Cubs. They have lost Justin Steele for the year and Shōta Imanaga is on the injured list right now. The Cubs’ starters have a 3.90 ERA this year. While not terrible, they will need to be better if they want to make a deep run in the postseason. FanSided’s Vanessa Serrao tabbed Tomoyuki Sugano of the Baltimore Orioles as an “under the radar” target.
“While the Cubs bullpen isn’t a red flag, it’s rounding into shape like bullpens do,” wrote Serrao. “Overall, they need higher-end starting pitching. He is considered a valuable trade chip for the Cubs due to his reliable starting pitching. As well, as his asset as a veteran Japanese star who can limit damage on the mound.
“The Cubs are dealing with some challenges with injuries in their rotation. This would make Sugano a perfect fit considering his stability. His ability to provide quality starts and only surrendering four or fewer runs in all his starts. Overall, he is a stabilizing force for a team dealing with injuries.”
Sugano has a 3.23 ERA this season and is just 13 games into his MLB career. He signed with the Orioles on a one-year deal after spending 12 seasons in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.
In Japan, Sugano was a two-time Sawamura Award winner, the NPB equivalent to the Cy Young Award. He was also a two-time MVP and four-time ERA champion. He had a 2.43 ERA in 12 seasons in Japan. He is 35 years old despite being a rookie in MLB. The Orioles are shaping up to be sellers at the deadline, and their offseason acquisition could be a target for many contenders.