The Colorado Rockies are taking a bold step to strengthen their pitching rotation, a move that could be pivotal in their quest to avoid the pitfalls of last season. The team's dire straits last year forced them to accelerate the development of young pitchers, resulting in a collective earned-run average that was the worst in modern major-league history.
To prevent a repeat of this scenario, the Rockies are fortifying their major-league rotation with experienced arms. While short-term solutions are acceptable, the key is to ensure that young pitchers are not rushed into the big leagues prematurely.
Last month, the Rockies signed right-hander Michael Lorenzen, an All-Star in 2023. This week, they added another veteran, Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who had a 1.331 WHIP and a 4.64 ERA over 30 starts for the Baltimore Orioles in his sole major-league season. Sugano agreed to a one-year, $5.1 million deal, filling the roster spot left vacant by Kris Bryant, who was moved to the 60-day injured list due to persistent back problems.
Sugano, 36, joined the Orioles after a successful 12-season stint with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Central League. During his time with the Giants, he was a dominant force, boasting a 1.035 WHIP and a 2.45 ERA.
The Rockies' projected rotation now includes Kyle Freeland, Lorenzen, Sugano, and Ryan Feltner, with a group of young pitchers vying for the No. 5 spot. Among them is 2023 first-round pick Chase Dollander, whose rookie season was a mix of promise and perplexity, with significant splits between his road and home performances (3.46 road ERA vs. 9.98 at Coors Field).
But here's where it gets controversial... The Rockies are hoping that Sugano can overcome his gopher ball issues from his time with the Orioles. In his only season with the team, he surrendered an American League-leading 33 home runs, and his HR/9 rate of 1.89 was among the worst in the majors. The Rockies will be looking for Sugano to replicate the success of his early-season form last year, when he posted a 3.04 ERA over his first 12 starts.
Sugano's ability to make adjustments and regain his dominant form will be crucial for the Rockies. Can he deliver? And will the Rockies' strategy pay off? These are questions that only time will answer. What are your thoughts on the Rockies' moves? Do you think they've made the right choices to improve their pitching rotation? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
