Sugano and Kondo Claim MVP Honors in NPB

The 2024 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season concluded with awards being handed out to the league's top performers. Yomiuri Giants pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano and SoftBank Hawks outfielder Kensuke Kondo emerged as the Central League (CL) and Pacific League (PL) MVPs, respectively.

Sugano, a 35-year-old right-hander, enjoyed a remarkable resurgence after three lackluster seasons. He led the CL in wins with a 15-3 record and finished second with a stellar 1.67 ERA. His dominant performance earned him 253 out of 302 first-place votes for the CL MVP award.

This marks Sugano's third CL MVP title. He previously won the award in 2020 before attempting to join Major League Baseball (MLB) through the posting system. However, he ultimately returned to the Giants after failing to secure a contract overseas. This year, he will explore free agency once again.

"A year ago, I don't think anyone thought Sugano could win an MVP," he said, reflecting on his challenging 2023 season. "But I believed I could do it. (Next year) I want to take it to the next level."

Kondo, a 31-year-old outfielder, continued his impressive form since joining the Hawks as a free agent in 2023. He played a pivotal role in SoftBank's first PL championship in four years.

Kondo's achievements included winning the PL batting title, leading the league in walks, on-base percentage, and slugging average. This performance earned him 158 out of 259 first-place votes for the PL MVP award.

"It took a while, but I did feel I might win it someday," said Kondo, who also represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Seibu Lions lefty Natsuki Takeuchi and Giants reliever Hiromasa Funabasama were recognized as the PL and CL Rookie of the Year, respectively. Takeuchi impressed with a 10-6 record and a 2.17 ERA, while Funabasama excelled in middle relief with 22 holds and four wins.