Tomoyuki Sugano Shows Poise, Precision in Pre-WBC Tune-Up for Rockies
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Tomoyuki Sugano didn’t need to light up the radar gun or rack up strikeouts to show why the Rockies brought him in. In a brief but telling live BP session before heading off to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic, the veteran right-hander gave Colorado exactly what it wanted to see: command, composure, and a glimpse of what could be a stabilizing presence in their rotation.
Sugano threw 21 pitches in the session, topping out at 91 mph on his four-seam fastball - a tick below last season’s average with the Orioles (92.7 mph) but well within range for this point in camp. More importantly, hitters couldn’t square him up.
He notched one strikeout, walked one (Blaine Crim, the leadoff batter), and induced three groundouts. No hard contact.
No drama. Just a clean, efficient outing that looked like a pitcher in control of his stuff and his rhythm.
“It’s nothing different than usual years,” Sugano said through his interpreter, Yuto Sakurai. “I usually train during the offseason starting in mid-December, and so far it’s pretty good. I’ll continue with my regimen.”
For the Rockies, that kind of consistency is exactly what they’re banking on. After years of rotation volatility, they committed $5.1 million to bring in Sugano on a one-year deal - a calculated bet on experience and polish.
The 34-year-old righty was a star in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants, where he won the Sawamura Award (Japan’s equivalent of the Cy Young) three times and was named league MVP twice. But Sugano isn’t leaning on past accolades.
He’s focused on fitting into a new clubhouse and adapting to a new league - and a new ballpark environment.
“All the accolades that I have in Japan, I left in Japan,” Sugano said. “The only thing I think about is being successful here.”
He’s already started picking the brains of his new teammates. Lefty Kyle Freeland, no stranger to the challenges of pitching at altitude, has been a sounding board for Sugano as he gets acclimated to Salt River Fields and, eventually, Coors Field. It’s a small but important step for a pitcher who understands that success in Colorado often hinges on nuance - not just stuff.
Rockies Well-Represented on Global Stage
Sugano isn’t the only Rockie heading to the international stage. In total, 13 players from the organization - 12 from Major League camp and one from Minor League camp - will take part in the World Baseball Classic, showcasing the team’s growing global footprint.
Right-hander Juan Mejia, who made his big-league debut last season and posted a 3.96 ERA across 55 appearances, got the call to represent the Dominican Republic - and he couldn’t hide his excitement.
“I was excited, and we’ll see how I do,” Mejia said, smiling.
The Rockies’ WBC contingent spans a wide range of talent and experience. Alongside Sugano (Japan) and Mejia (Dominican Republic), Venezuela will feature shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and right-hander Antonio Senzatela.
Mexico will have lefty Brennan Bernardino and righty Victor Vodnik. Canada’s roster includes infielder Edouard Julien and Minor League lefty Antoine Jean.
Top prospect Cole Carrigg and versatile INF/OF Troy Johnston will suit up for Israel, while veteran lefty Jose Quintana (Colombia), righty Michael Lorenzen (Italy), and INF/OF Willi Castro (Puerto Rico) round out the Rockies’ international reps.
For a team looking to take a step forward in 2026, this kind of international exposure is more than just a feather in the cap - it’s a chance for players to compete at a high level, build confidence, and return to camp sharper and more battle-tested.
But for now, all eyes are on Sugano. If his first live session is any indication, the Rockies may have found a steady hand for the top half of their rotation - and a pitcher who’s ready to prove he can thrive on this side of the Pacific.