Can Sugano’s addition help Orioles sign Sasaki? | MAILBAG

Question: With the signing of Tomoyuki Sugano, it seems that if you prefer a smaller market and get to pitch and learn from the Cy Young of Japan, the Orioles got a bit more enticing. Your thoughts? From: Michael Resnick 

Answer: Michael, I’ve received lots of questions about the Sugano signing, and I’ll try to answer them briefly. Jay Lazrus and Brad Seeley also asked about Roki Sasaki.

Bradley Baker wants to know why the $13 million Sugano signed for wasn’t used to help re-sign Corbin Burnes. Randal McNeil wants to know if this means the Orioles are no longer interested in Burnes, and Craig Russell wants to know if Sugano can be optioned to the minor leagues.

I think the Orioles would still love to sign Sasaki on January 15^th when the next international signing period begins and, theoretically, have a decent chance since the money teams can offer him as a bonus isn’t dramatically different.

I would be surprised if Sasaki signed here. I think it’s more likely he’ll sign with a West Coast team, probably the Dodgers or Padres, but it doesn’t hurt that another Japanese pitcher has signed with the Orioles.

I think the Orioles are still interested in re-signing Burnes, and the plan was always to sign at least two starting pitcher candidates. The money used to sign Sugano doesn’t interfere with their ability to re-sign Burnes because it was going to be spent on a second free-agent starter.

Sugano can not be optioned to the minor leagues without his consent.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.