Rockies Sign Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to 1-Year Deal

Japanese right-hander joins Colorado after struggling in first MLB season with Orioles

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Colorado Rockies have signed Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract. Sugano, a right-hander, struggled in his first MLB season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025, posting a 4.64 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts in 157 innings across 30 starts.

Why it matters

The Rockies are hoping Sugano can bounce back and provide a boost to their starting rotation as they look to improve on their 2025 season. Pitching at Coors Field is notoriously challenging, so Sugano will need to make adjustments to his game to find success in the high-altitude environment.

The details

Sugano, 32, signed a one-year deal with the Rockies after a disappointing debut season in the majors with the Orioles. He struggled with his control, walking 36 batters, and allowed a high number of home runs (33) which contributed to his 4.64 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.

  • Sugano signed his contract with the Rockies on February 10, 2026.
  • In 2025, Sugano made 30 starts for the Orioles.

The players

Tomoyuki Sugano

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who is joining the Colorado Rockies after struggling in his first MLB season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025.

Colorado Rockies

The Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado that has signed Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We're hopeful that a change of scenery and the opportunity to pitch at Coors Field will help Tomoyuki rediscover the form that made him a star in Japan.”

— Bill Schmidt, Rockies General Manager (MLB.com)

What’s next

Sugano will report to Rockies spring training in February 2026 to prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Rockies are taking a chance on Sugano, betting that a change of scenery and the opportunity to pitch in the high-altitude conditions of Coors Field can help him regain the form that made him a star in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.