The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation has been hit with some injuries. The team could look to make some additions at the deadline to maintain its division lead.
The Cubs’ starters have a 3.93 ERA this season, ranked 17th in Major League Baseball. Shōta Imanaga is on the injured list and Justin Steele will not return this year after undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman suggested the Cubs could trade for Tomoyuki Sugano of the Baltimore Orioles.
“Tomoyuki Sugano has been one of very few bright spots for the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 3.04 ERA in 12 starts and 71 innings of work,” wrote Rotman. “He doesn’t have the best stuff, and even strikes out fewer batters than (Tyler) Mahle, but he limits hard contact and avoids walks. His 3.9 percent walk rate is good for the 95th percentile according to Baseball Savant.
“His fit in Chicago might be a bit questionable, as he can give up the occasional home run, but it’s hard to ignore the season he’s having. Sugano has given up four runs or fewer in every one of his starts, and has given up three runs or fewer in all but one outing. That kind of consistency can’t be overlooked.”
The Orioles have a 25-36 record and are headed toward being sellers at the trade deadline. Sugano signed a one-year, $13 million deal this offseason as a foreign professional from Nippon Professional Baseball.
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In Japan, Sugano was a two-time Sawamura Award winner, the NPB equivalent to the Cy Young Award. He was also a two-time Central League MVP and four-time ERA champion. In 12 seasons in Japan, he had a 2.43 ERA. Sugano is 35 years old and will be a free agent after the season. If the Orioles do decide to become sellers, he could be an intriguing target for the Cubs.
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