Yusei Kikuchi Joins Angels on 3-Year, $63M Deal
The Los Angeles Angels have signed left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kikuchi, 33, had an impressive second half of the 2024 season after being traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Houston Astros, recording a 2.70 ERA across 10 starts. Overall, he finished the season with a 4.05 ERA over 32 starts, split between the Blue Jays and Astros.
Kikuchi’s Redemption Arc
Initially criticized as an overpay when the Astros acquired him from Toronto, Kikuchi silenced doubters with his performance. In 60 innings over 10 starts, he posted a 2.70 ERA (147 ERA+), along with an elite 31.8% strikeout rate and a low 5.9% walk rate. His success came largely from increasing his slider usage while cutting back on his curveball.
Kikuchi entered Major League Baseball in 2019 after an accomplished eight-year career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Despite flashes of brilliance, consistent dominance eluded him in the MLB. A strong first half of 2021 earned him an All-Star nod, but he finished that season with an ERA+ of just 93. This prompted him to opt out of his deal with the Seattle Mariners.
Toronto signed Kikuchi to a three-year contract, banking on his potential. However, his tenure with the Blue Jays was inconsistent. Over 2.5 seasons, he pitched 384 innings with a 4.48 ERA (92 ERA+), showcasing a mix of brilliant stretches and underwhelming performances.
Angels Bet on Kikuchi’s Houston Breakout
The Angels are banking on Kikuchi sustaining the improvements he showed in Houston, where he became a strikeout specialist. His dominance could make him a valuable asset in the postseason, though his Astros were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card round.
A Busy Offseason for the Angels
Kikuchi’s signing is part of an active offseason for the Angels. The team has also signed right-hander Kyle Hendricks and catcher Travis d’Arnaud while trading for outfielder Jorge Soler. Los Angeles has emerged as one of the most aggressive teams this offseason.
