Tomoyuki Sugano’s first and likely only season in Baltimore is officially over. The 35-year-old right-hander came over from Japan last winter, finally making the jump after 12 standout NPB seasons with the Yomiuri Giants.Sugano signed a one-year contract worth $13 million, the classic short-term gamble on a pitcher who could give them stability in a rotation loaded with young arms.In 2025, Sugano had 30 starts as a pitcher while accumulating 157 innings pitched and finishing with a 10-10 record, 4.64 ERA, 106 strikeouts, and a 1.33 WHIP.Before joining Major League Baseball, Sugano had an impressive record in Japan, 136 wins and 74 losses with a 2.43 ERA and 1500-plus strikeouts, multiple All-Star selections, three league Most Valuable Player awards, and two Sawamura Awards as Japan’s top pitcher.Sugano said early this month that he would like to continue his Major League Baseball career in 2026. He’s not chasing a victory lap.He’s chasing a real role, preferably with a team that plans on winning more games than it loses. That makes the list of possible landing spots smaller, but clearer.#1. Boston Red SoxFenway Park helps pitchers who rely on movement and keeping the ball low.The Red Sox already added rotation names this winter, but they still need someone behind their top starters who can give them innings without drama.Sugano fits as a 4/5 starter who can give you 5-6 steady innings and bring a veteran voice that helps young pitchers prepare and stay on track.#2. New York YankeesThe Yankees have been involved in Japanese player markets before, and their strong bullpen and solid defense could actually help a pitcher like Sugano settle in without too much early-season pressure.Their rotation has plenty of top names on paper, but workload and injury questions around a few arms always creep in by May or June.Sugano gives them a veteran who throws strikes, uses a deep pitch mix, competes without noise, and doesn’t need a long contract.#3. San Diego PadresThis is the team that originally tried to bring Sugano over back in 2020, and the fit still holds. Petco Park is huge, cooler, and helps right-handers limit home runs.San Diego has rotation needs after losing and missing innings from vets, and they value short contracts that balance pitching and defense.Sugano doesn’t need to replace an ace, he needs to throw smart at the back end, keep games close, and let their stacked bullpen do the heavy work later.