Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs Showing Interest in Orioles' Veteran Ahead of Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:30 PM ET

With the MLB trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Chicago Cubs are starting to narrow down their search for a starting pitching upgrade. While the team has been linked to every potential available arm under the sun, Chicago is targeting Baltimore Orioles’ veteran Tomoyuki Sugano, among others, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

Sugano, 35, made his major league debut this season after coming over from Japan. In Japan, Sugano was a two-time Sawamura Award winner, which is given to the Nippon League’s pitcher of the year. Essentially, it is their version of the Cy Young Award.

Despite his previous success, Sugano has struggled to transition during his first year in the majors. Across 103 innings, he has a 4.54 ERA with 63 strikeouts and a 7-5 record in 19 starts. Primarily known for his off-speed repertoire, Sugano throws a six-pitch mix that has helped him accumulate a 0.9 WAR – a mark higher than every healthy Cubs’ starter outside of Imanaga. Even Sugano’s 41.8 percent groundball rate would fit nicely with Chicago’s number-one ranked infield defense.

Sugano may also come more easily to acquire than other pitchers available at the deadline due to the Orioles' poor play and desire to shed salary. Sitting at 44-55, Baltimore will likely be one of the top sellers, and Sugano’s impending free agent status makes it logical to trade him. It would also not hurt if Baltimore could remove whatever remains on his one-year, $13 million contract.

With the Milwaukee Brewers breathing down the Cubs' neck in a tight NL Central race, Sugano will not move the needle too much, but could make a big enough addition to keep pace in the second half.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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