Toronto Blue Jays reportedly still in pursuit of Tomoyuki Sugano

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly one of a number of teams in pursuit of Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Blue Jays are still chasing Tomoyuki Sugano as the January 07th deadline looms. Morosi also identified the Padres, Giants, Mets and Red Sox as other potential suitors for the services of Sugano.

The 31-year old hurler has spent his entire 8-year career with the Yomiuri Giants posting a career 101-50 record with a 2.34 earned run average while fanning 8.0 batters per nine innings. In 2020, Sugano went 14-2 with an impressive 1.97 earned run average with 131 strikeouts in 137.1 innings of work.

The Blue Jays are also rumoured to have serious interest in Korean infielder Ha-Seong Kim who respective posting process closes on the 01st of January. There were recent reports that Kim is pondering multiple offers including some in the 5+ year range.

More from Toronto Blue Jays Rumors

• Kyle Schwarber an ideal fit for the Blue Jays lineup
• Blue Jays: Could a 12-year old be the franchise’s future star shortstop?
• Blue Jays: Potential replacements for Marcus Semien
• Blue Jays: Time for an Old-Fashioned MLB Player for Player Trade?
• Are The Blue Jays Looking To Add Another Power Bat?

The Jays brain trust have been very active in their pursuit of players from abroad leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to field the best roster possible.

Last offseason the brain trust landed pitcher Shun Yamaguchi inking the right hander to a 2-year/ $6.35 million dollar pact. Yamaguchi struggled in his first taste of pro ball in North America posting an inflated 8.06 earned run average in 25.2 innings of work.

Today also marks the one-year anniversary of the Hyun Jin Ryu signing, the Korean ace signed a 4-year/ $80 million dollar deal with Toronto last offseason. Ryu did not disappoint posting a 2.69 earned run average and finishing third in the American League Cy Young voting in his first season with the Jays.

Ryu also met with Kim for dinner this offseason to discuss life in the majors, however, there is no telling if that meeting will influence Kim’s final decision or landing spot.

We will definitely have some clarity in the next 7-10 days regarding the futures of both Sugano and Kim and whether the Blue Jays were players for either talents.