Report: Blue Jays, Rangers join pursuit of Sugano
The Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers have expressed interest in recently posted Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants were tied to Sugano earlier in the offseason, as were the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres.
While free agency has been slow to develop, the pitching market has been active, particularly when it comes to mid-tier hurlers. Charlie Morton, Mike Minor, Drew Smyly, and Robbie Ray have all landed deals so far.
Sugano, posted by the Yomiuri Giants, has until Jan. 7 to reach a deal with an MLB club, or he will return to NPB.
The 31-year-old won back-to-back Sawamura awards as NPB's best pitcher in 2018 and 2019. He finished as runner-up this past season after posting a 1.97 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 137 1/3 innings over 20 games. Scouts reportedly view Sugano as a viable No. 3 starter in MLB.
Sugano joins a free-agent pitching market that still includes reigning National League Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer, as well as Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton, Jake Odorizzi, and Taijuan Walker.