A Fresh Start in Denver
At 35, Tomoyuki Sugano left the familiar confines of Japanese baseball to sign a one‑year, $5.1 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. The move, while financially modest compared with his previous earnings, represents a personal challenge he embraces with the excitement of a rookie, even though he already boasts a storied résumé.
Sugano’s reputation in Japan is built on two consecutive Sawamura Awards, the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young, and a pivotal role as the ace of the national team during the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Over twelve seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, he amassed 150 career wins, a milestone he finally reached on May 16 despite battling illness.
His family’s baseball lineage runs deep. His uncle, Tatsunori Hara, is a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, and his grandfather, Mitsugu Hara, was a celebrated coach at the high‑school and college levels. His father, Takashi Sugano, also pursued the sport in college, creating a three‑generation thread that shaped his work ethic and modesty.
Early results in Colorado suggest a smooth adjustment. In ten starts he is 4‑3 with a 3.86 ERA, showing the same command that earned him accolades abroad. Yet his most profound regret remains the elusive Japan Series title with the Giants, a goal that still fuels his competitive fire.
Beyond the numbers, Sugano is known for his professionalism and humility, traits that have endeared him to teammates and fans alike. As he looks ahead, the Rockies hope his veteran presence will mentor younger pitchers while he continues to chase new achievements on a different stage.