Blue Jays: Clock is ticking on Tomoyuki Sugano decision

The Toronto Blue Jays have until this coming Thursday to work out a deal with Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano.

Tomoyuki Sugano has until 5 pm on Thursday to make a decision on his MLB fate, however, the distinguished pitcher appears to be in the drivers seat. The Blue Jays reportedly have an interest in the 31-year old right-hander but it is not certain if the team has made an official offer.

Sugano is on American soil so the assumption is the hurler will ink a multi-year pact with someone before the posting process concludes. The Mets, Giants, and Red Sox also all have varying degrees of interest in the native of Kanagawa, Japan.

Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported yesterday that Sugano also has an offer on the table from the Yomiuri Giants whom he has spent that past eight seasons with. The Giants apparently also have three opt-outs built into their offer according to Sherman.

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Sugano made 20 starts last season for the Giants going 14-2 with a impressive 1.97 earned run average while fanning 8.6 batters per nine innings. In eight season pitching in the Japan Central League, Sugano sports a 101-49 record with a 2.32 earned run average in 196 games including 99 starts.

By comparison, Masahiro Tanaka accrued a 99-35 record with a 2.29 earned run average spanning seven seasons and 176 games in the Japan Central League. If Sugano can attain Tanaka success in the majors, the winning bidder will be satisfied with his efforts.

The Blue Jays have been tied to the likes of Trevor Bauer, Jake Odorizzi and Kevin Gausman thus far as they attempt to shore up their rotation for the 2021 campaign. Robbie Ray already reupped with the team on a one-year deal earlier this offseason.

It was rumoured the Blue Jays were major players for Ha-Seong Kim, however, the infielder opted for the sunny confines of  San Diego.

We should know the fate of Sugano before Thursday afternoon and whether or not that involves the pitcher making his way north of the border in 2021.