"This isn't Corbin Burnes"; "Not Roki Sasaki" - Fans react as Orioles rope in 35-year-old NPB star Tomoyuki Sugano on 1-year, $13,000,000 deal

An interesting development has unfolded in the Baltimore Orioles camp on Monday night. The club, via ESPN insider Jeff Passan, announced the signing of veteran pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. The hurler spent 12 decorated seasons with NPB powerhouse Yomiuri Giants. The contract is reportedly a one-year deal worth $13 million.

Sugano is one of the most decorated pitchers in NPB history. The 35-year-old is a three-time Central League MVP, a two-time Eiji Sawamura Awardee, a Japanese Triple Crown winner and an eight-time NPB All-Star.

However, a vocal part of the Orioles' fanbase has expressed their surprise and displeasure about the signing. Despite Sugano's proven track record, O's fans are seemingly concerned about the pitcher's age, the contract amount and whether Sugano's signing will affect the funds needed to re-sign Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and the potential acquisition of Roki Sasaki.

"This isn’t Corbin Burnes…" one fan said.

"That's not Roki Sasaki," a fan pointed out.

"He’s old? Is this going to be an issue?" another fan asked.

Fans were mainly concerned about Sugano's age. However, he was posted to MLB back in 2020 when he was 31. This didn't pan out, however, as no teams were interested in acquiring him. This subsequently led to him returning to NPB and the Yomiuri Giants.

"At 35, Sugano is the oldest member of the Orioles by 14 years," one fan said.

"35 YEARS OLD LMFAOOOOOOO UNC," another fan wrote.

"35 Yea ok...Probably more like 55," a fan said.

Although the team has yet to sign back its ace Corbin Burnes, Sugano is projected to be placed within the backend of Baltimore's starting crew as the fourth or fifth man in the rotation.

Orioles acquisition Tomoyuki Sugano's decorated NPB career

After 12 years in the NPB, Tomoyuki Sugano has finally signed with an MLB club. The Yomiuri Giants stalwart put pen to paper a one-year, $13 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

For the unaffiliated, Sugano's signing might seem strange as the pitcher is already 35. However, Sugano has proven his caliber and longevity throughout his decorated NPB career.

Sugano made his debut on March 30, 2013, for the Yomiuri Giants. He now leaves Japan with a 136-74 record and a 2.43 ERA with 1,585 strikeouts across 1,857 innings. The veteran hurler won his first Central League MVP Award in 2014 and would claim two more along the way, with the most recent one being just last season.

Tomoyuki Sugano is also a two-time Eiji Sawamura winner (Cy Young equivalent), an eight-time NPB All-Star, and a three-time Mitsui Golden Glove Awardee.

What do you think of the Baltimore Orioles adding Tomoyuki Sugano to their roster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.