The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a deal with the Houston Astros to trade left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi. The Japanese-born lefty is on the move to his third team after the Astros made a splash before the Tuesday deadline.
Kikuchi is in his sixth MLB season since making his debut in 2019. The 33-year-old began his career with the Seattle Mariners before signing a three-year deal with Toronto. Kikuchi struggled in his first season with the Blue Jays and was moved to the bullpen after 20 starts. He bounced back in 2023, posting a 3.86 ERA, the best of his career, and 181 strikeouts during an 11-6 season. Kikuchi started 2024 hot with a 2.64 ERA through his first ten starts. His ERA has slipped over the past 11 games, but Kikuchi remained a popular name before the deadline. Through 22 starts this season he has a 4.75 ERA with 130 strikeouts.
The Astros made a move to get the Japanese lefty before the deadline in hopes of making another late-season push and a deep run in the playoffs. A rotation that has been hurt by injuries this season, Houston adds the former All-Star to bolster their rotation and continue their surge. Despite a dip in Kikuchi’s numbers this season, teams across the league believe a change of scenery could prove to be better days ahead.
Kikuchi’s elite fastball tops out at 98 mph, which is among the top in the MLB for left-handed pitchers.
The Blue Jays are expected to receive rookie RHP Jake Bloss, among other players to be announced later. Bloss has appeared in three games for Houston since making his debut on June 21. He is 0-1 with a 6.94 ERA through 11.2 innings.
Photo Credit: Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) leaves the field after being taken out of the game during the MLB baseball regular season game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 26, 2024, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
