Houston Astros sign Yusei Kikuchi

THE Houston Astroslooking to bolster their starting rotation, have acquired a left-hander Yusei Kikuchi of Toronto Blue Jays. In exchange, the Astros sent pitching prospect Jake Bloss, along with Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner, to the Blue Jays organization.

One of the main objectives of the Astros At the trade deadline, the goal was to acquire starting pitchers, especially a left-hander. Kikuchi will join Framber Valdez as the only left-handed starters in the injury-decimated rotation, which has been impacted by injuries to Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, Jose UrquidyAnd Luis Garcia, who has not yet fully recovered.

Yusei Kikuchi had a solid 2024 season with the Blue Jaysrecording a 7-3 record in 22 starts, with a 3.37 ERA in 117.2 innings. He has an 8.85 strikeout rate and a 2.37 walk rate per nine innings. Additionally, he has a 4.12 FIP and a 1.7 WAR, highlighting his better control this season.

Kikuchi, a six-year MLB veteran, has already spent three years with the Seattle Mariners and is familiar with the American League West Division. He is currently in the final year of a three-year, $36 million contract he signed with the Blue Jays.