The courtship of Tomoyuki Sugano is set to end soon, as the Japanese ace is expected to decide on his next destination by Tuesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.
The New York Mets were considered legitimate contenders to land Sugano as recently as last month but are focusing elsewhere with time ticking down, according to Heyman, who mentions the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays as potential landing spots.
Sugano, 31, can fall back on a four-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants that includes opt-outs after each season, Heyman adds.
Previously, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers were also linked to Sugano.
The right-hander won back-to-back Sawamura Awards as Nippon Professional Baseball's top pitcher in 2018 and 2019. Sugano 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. He's currently part of a free-agent pitcher class headlined by reigning NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer as well as Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton.
