The Colorado Rockies have signed veteran right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano to a $5.1 million, one-year contract, adding rotation depth ahead of the 2026 season. The 36-year-old pitcher comes off a 10-10 season with a 4.64 ERA in 30 starts for the Baltimore Orioles.

Sugano's signing required the Rockies to place Kris Bryant on the 60-day injured list to clear roster space. Bryant, who signed a $182 million, seven-year contract in 2022, has appeared in just 170 games for Colorado due to injuries. The deal makes Sugano the sixth Japanese-born player in franchise history, joining a small group that includes Kazuo Matsui and Masato Yoshii.

Before joining the Orioles last season, Sugano spent 12 years with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, winning three MVP awards in the Central League. He also pitched for Japan in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, allowing three hits in six innings against the United States. Sugano has committed to playing in this year's WBC, adding international experience to Colorado's pitching staff.