Tomoyuki Sugano is a name that rings familiar to baseball fans, particularly those who follow the Japanese NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) league. His career has been marked by impressive consistency, a sharp mind, and an ability to adapt on the mound, making him one of the more intriguing pitchers to follow. While Sugano may not have received the same level of global attention as other international stars, his talent and experience are undeniable. In recent years, he has faced some challenges, but Sugano’s crafty nature on the mound suggests that a comeback in 2025 could very well be in the cards.
For those unfamiliar with Sugano’s style, it’s easy to overlook what makes him so special. His mastery lies not in overpowering hitters with blazing speed, but in his ability to change speeds, work the corners, and outthink batters. Sugano has always relied on precision and an understanding of hitters’ tendencies. He possesses a wide array of pitches, including a devastating slider and a fastball that hovers in the low 90s, but it is his command of these pitches and his ability to locate them that sets him apart from other pitchers. He’s the type of pitcher who keeps batters guessing, always one step ahead, reading their swings and adjusting his strategy accordingly.
Sugano’s career began to take off in NPB in the mid-2010s, and his rise to prominence was swift. By 2019, he was one of Japan’s most dominant pitchers, winning multiple accolades and garnering attention from Major League Baseball scouts. In 2021, Sugano made his long-anticipated move to the MLB with the San Francisco Giants, but it wasn’t the smooth transition that many had hoped for. Injuries and inconsistency slowed his progress in the big leagues, and by 2022, he found himself back in Japan.
Despite these setbacks, Sugano’s journey is far from over. His 2024 season showed glimpses of the pitcher he once was, and many believe that he is on the verge of a full recovery. What makes Sugano’s situation particularly interesting is his unwavering focus on honing his craft. Even in the face of adversity, Sugano has never been one to shy away from hard work or to get discouraged by a rough patch. His relentless drive to improve, combined with his veteran savvy, makes him a dangerous pitcher even when he’s not at his physical peak.
One of Sugano’s greatest strengths is his mental approach to pitching. While many pitchers may rely heavily on their physical tools, Sugano has always been a thinker on the mound. He doesn’t just throw pitches; he sets traps, works batters into favorable counts, and manipulates the game to his advantage. This cerebral approach has allowed him to adapt when his velocity dips or when the physical aspects of his game aren’t where he wants them to be. It’s this ability to adjust and outsmart opponents that could make Sugano a key contributor in 2025, should he be able to stay healthy and continue refining his craft.
The nature of baseball is such that pitchers often face ebbs and flows throughout their careers. What separates the great ones from the rest is their ability to adjust when things aren’t going right. Sugano has proven time and again that he possesses the tools to evolve with the game. His curveball, once a weapon that he relied on heavily in his NPB days, has evolved into a more subtle pitch over the years, one that he uses with increased precision. His slider, too, has become sharper, and his changeup continues to be a pitch that throws hitters off balance.
As Sugano moves forward in his career, there is a strong sense that he could regain his elite form in 2025. Given his pedigree, experience, and ability to make adjustments, it’s entirely plausible that he could emerge as a top-tier starter once again. While his time in the MLB may have been underwhelming, there is little doubt that Sugano can still thrive in the right environment, be it back in NPB or perhaps with another MLB team looking to tap into his experience.
The world of professional baseball is never static, and players can often find success later in their careers, particularly those with the craftiness and intelligence of Sugano. His journey has not been without setbacks, but it is far from over. If he can stay healthy and continue to refine his craft, 2025 could very well be the year that Sugano bounces back in a major way, showcasing his unique ability to outthink and outpitch hitters, no matter what stage of his career he’s in.