Angels Interested in Free Agent Tomoyuki Sugano

The Los Angeles Angels are actively pursuing Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who is set to leave Nippon Professional Baseball after 12 successful seasons. Sugano, a two-time Sawamura Award winner, had an impressive 2024 season with a 15-3 record and a 1.67 ERA, showcasing his potential to bolster the Angels' struggling pitching staff, which ranked near the bottom of the league. With general manager Perry Minasian making several roster moves, including acquiring veteran players like Kyle Hendricks, the Angels are looking to improve after a dismal 99-loss season. Sugano's status as a true free agent means he can sign with any MLB team without the posting system, making him a highly attractive target. His stellar command and performance in Japan suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Angels' rotation. The team's owner has indicated that payroll will increase in 2025, further facilitating potential signings.