Yusei Kikuchi Joins the Los Angeles Angels on a Three-Year Deal
In a strategic move that bolsters their pitching rotation, the Los Angeles Angels have secured the services of left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, sealing a three-year contract valued at $63 million. At 33, Kikuchi brings a blend of experience and recent success to an Angels team keen on revitalizing its lineup with a mix of seasoned and promising talent.
An Experienced Asset
Kikuchi's journey to Los Angeles has been marked by stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and, more recently, the Houston Astros. His recent performance with the Astros particularly stood out, as he demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and excel on the mound. After his midseason trade to Houston, Kikuchi recorded a stellar 2.70 ERA over 60 innings in his final 10 starts, underscoring his capability to deliver under pressure. During this period, he also improved his strikeout-to-walk ratio to an impressive 5.43, indicating a refinement in his control and pitch selection.
Refining His Arsenal
This evolution in performance coincided with a noticeable shift in Kikuchi's pitching strategy. Upon joining the Astros, he significantly decreased his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8% and cut his curveball usage from 22.7% to 9.5%. Instead, he leaned heavily on his slider, increasing its usage to 37.1%. This tactical adjustment paid dividends, as evidenced by the .172/.245/.212 slash line opponents registered against his slider, coupled with a 29.2% swinging strike rate, making it a formidable weapon in his arsenal.
Around the time of his trade, analysis indicated, "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups." This perceptive observation aligned with Kikuchi's subsequent adaptations, contributing to his late-season success with the Astros.
Precision and Control
Kikuchi's ability to place 67.4% of his pitches on the outside part of the plate proved effective, limiting hitters to a .591 OPS in these zones. This precision allowed him to control the pace of games and keep opposing lineups in check, attributes that the Angels will undoubtedly value as they aim to fortify their pitching staff.
The Angels' Broader Offseason Strategy
The acquisition of Kikuchi is part of a broader offseason effort by the Angels to enhance their roster. Alongside Kikuchi, the Angels have also brought in outfielder Jorge Soler, catcher Travis d'Arnaud, infielder Kevin Newman, utility player Scott Kingery, and pitcher Kyle Hendricks. This diverse set of signings reflects the team's ambition to create a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level. Kikuchi's addition, in particular, aligns with this strategy of blending adept veterans with dynamic newcomers to strike a balance of experience and versatility.
Building Towards a Competitive Season
With Kikuchi's last season contributions valued at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, the Angels see his potential to make a significant impact. His prior experience and recent adjustments position him as a critical player in the team’s pitching lineup. As the Angels prepare for the upcoming season, Kikuchi's ability to adapt and optimize his playing style will be central to their success.
As the Angels set their sights on the future, Yusei Kikuchi's arrival signifies more than just a transaction. It marks a commitment to closing gaps within their roster with strategic decisions that could propel them into postseason contention. With Kikuchi donning the Angels' colors, the team looks forward to what the seasoned pitcher can bring to the mound come opening day.