Orioles' rotation castoff signs elsewhere as Baltimore scrambles for an upgrade

Tomoyuki Sugano expressed a desire to return to the Baltimore Orioles when the offseason started, but it seemed clear the Orioles were going to go in a different direction. The Orioles found upgrades in Shane Baz (and brought back Zach Eflin for stability), and are holding out hope to find a frontline starting pitcher before Opening Day. There was no reason for the Orioles to circle back to Sugano, who is headed to the Colorado Rockies.

Sugano turned down an opportunity to return to Japan this offseason, and he was rewarded with a one-year deal with Major League Baseball's worst team.

Other than being able to take the ball every five days, there wasn't much to be impressed with during Sugano's lone season in Baltimore. He posted an ERA of 4.64 in 30 starts, but his underlying metrics were even worse. It certainly didn't help his cause that he struck out under 16% of the hitters he faced last year.

A move to Colorado likely won't do much in terms of improving his numbers, but credit to Sugano for finding a major league deal.

Orioles need to act soon if they truly want to add a starting rotation upgrade

With Eflin back in the fold, that likely ruled out a potential Baltimore reunion for Sugano. And if Sugano was Elias' response to missing out on Framber Valdez, the fever pitch of criticism would have only grown louder.

Sugano's signing is a representation of a larger trend currently taking place on the free-agent market. The veteran starting pitchers who have gone most of the offseason unsigned are starting to find homes. Justin Verlander, Nick Martinez, Chris Paddack, Erick Fedde, and Aaron Civale have all signed this week. The timing is no coincidence with many teams reporting to spring training.

Assuming Zac Gallen heads back to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Lucas Giolito is the best option currently available to the Orioles. It's not exactly the addition Orioles fans had in mind when the team alluded to the addition of a frontline starting pitcher, but it certainly would be a better option than Sugano.