Left-handed pitcher has reportedly signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, as per multiple sources on Monday. The 33-year-old made 32 starts last season, posting a 9-10 record while splitting time between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros. Acquired by Houston before the trade deadline, Kikuchi concluded the season with a 2.70 ERA across 10 starts, tallying 76 strikeouts and 14 walks. Over the entire season, he recorded 206 strikeouts in 175 2/3 innings.
The Los Angeles Angels, aiming to rebound from a 99-loss season, have been active in free agency, adding several seasoned players to their roster. Their recent acquisitions include right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks, catcher Travis d’Arnaud, and infielder Kevin Newman. Additionally, the team has bolstered its lineup through trades, bringing in slugger Jorge Soler and infielder Scott Kingery.
Yusei Kikuchi, 33, has previously made 32 starts in both the 2019 and 2023 seasons. He began his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners in 2019, posting an 8-15 record with an ERA exceeding 5.00 over his first two seasons.
After posting a 7-9 record in 2021, Yusei Kikuchi signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 and spent more than two seasons with the team. Over his MLB career, he has pitched in 166 games, including 154 starts, recording a 41-47 record and a 4.57 ERA.
