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The Chicago Cubs have the beginnings of a playoff team but still need to add some pieces. While there is some question of what they will do, if anything, to add to the club’s offense, there is little doubt the team will add a starting pitcher to its rotation. The most likely route to improve the rotation is via free agency. And while I’d like to think the Cubs will pursue high end targets like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried that’s probably unlikely.
Meet Tomoyuki Sugano
“Who is Tomoyuki Sugano,” you ask? Sugan is a pitcher who has had an outstanding career in Japan. In 12 seasons he’s put up a of a record of 134-75 with an ERA of 2.43. He’s not a huge strikeout guy, averaging 7.7 strikeouts per nine innings while walking only 1.7 hitters. He throws a fastball, slider, curve and forkball. His velocity sits at 90-93 mph, so he doesn’t blow hitters away, but he does get them out.
In reading the scouting report, he reminds me of a right-handed Shota Imanaga. And that would be a really good thing if that comp pans out. In addition to Sugano’s talent, his price range might be more in line with what the cost-conscious Cubs are looking for. Sugano turns 35 on October 11 so he may be looking for a two-or three-year contract, possibly at $15-20 million per year.
The fact that the Cubs have Shota Imanaga who was extremely effective and popular might make the team an easier sell to Sugano. In addition, the Cubs also have another Japanese player, outfielder/DH Seiya Suzuki in tow. He could potentially make the Cubs a more appealing destination for Sugano. Actually, Sugano is predicted to sign with the Cubs in some circles. I tend to agree.
But there’s more work to be done
The bullpen also needs shoring up. Last season Ben Brown was very effective out of the pen. Adding Sugano could allow the Cubs to send Brown back to the pen where he could handle some late inning work.
There are a number of relief pitchers about to hit the free agent market and the Cubs would well to pick off one or two of them. Tanner Scott would be the dream signing for Cubs fans. He’s a dominant closer with a huge fastball and has averaged over 10 strikeouts per nine innings in his career. Plus, he is left-handed.
Having Scott close, with Porter Hodge and Ben Brown available for other high leverage work could make the Cubs’ bullpen one of the more formidable in baseball. If the Cubs do nothing else but add a starter and a high leverage reliever, they should be better in 2024.
But hopefully Jed Hoyer won’t stop there.
