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Report: Sugano will return to Japan after not reaching MLB deal

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Japanese star Tomoyuki Sugano is returning to Nippon Professional Baseball after failing to agree to a contract with a major-league team, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.

After being posted by the Yomiuri Giants in December, the 31-year-old pitcher had until 5 p.m. ET on Thursday to agree to a deal.

Sugano reached a four-year, $40-million contract to return to the Giants, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal reportedly includes three opt-outs.

The right-hander will be eligible to come to the majors as an international free agent before the 2022 campaign, according to Passan.

The Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly considered the front-runners to sign Sugano after making a strong bid for his services. The San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets also showed interest.

Sugano won back-to-back Sawamura Awards as NPB's top hurler in 2018 and 2019. Last season, he posted a 1.97 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 137 1/3 innings en route to a runner-up finish for the honor.

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