In a decisive move aimed at bolstering their pitching rotation, the Los Angeles Angels have acquired Yusei Kikuchi, signing the left-handed pitcher to a three-year contract valued at $63 million. This signing marks a significant addition to the Angels' roster as they seek to enhance their competitiveness in a dynamic league.
Seasoned Pitcher with Recent Improvements
Kikuchi, 33, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Angels. He has established himself as a formidable presence on the mound, having previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros. With an ERA of 4.05 last season, Kikuchi's performance demonstrated his ability to maintain consistency under pressure.
However, it was his stint with the Astros that highlighted the potential for evolution in his game. After being traded midseason, Kikuchi showcased significant improvement, recording a 2.70 ERA over 60 innings in his final 10 starts with Houston. This performance not only reinforced his value but also attracted the attention of teams looking to strengthen their pitching staff.
Adapting Strategy: A Shift in Technique
A critical factor in Kikuchi's improved performance can be traced to strategic adjustments in his pitching approach. Notably, he reduced his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8% and made a significant downshift in his curveball usage from 22.7% to 9.5% upon joining the Astros. Instead, Kikuchi placed increased reliance on his slider, raising its usage to 37.1%. This change paid dividends, with batters managing a mere .172/.245/.212 slash line against his slider.
The effectiveness of his slider was underscored by a 29.2% swinging strike rate, making it a potent weapon in his arsenal. This adjustment also echoed a sentiment noted around the time of his trade: "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups."
Pinpoint Precision
Kikuchi’s skill lies not only in his repertoire of pitches but also in his precise control. Last season, he placed 67.4% of his pitches to the outside part of the plate, limiting hitters to a .591 OPS on these pitches. Such accuracy is complemented by a commendable strikeout-to-walk ratio, which improved from 4.68 to 5.43 during his tenure with the Astros.
Measuring Value
In the previous season, Kikuchi’s contributions were quantified at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. This metric underscores his role not just as an innings-eater but as a pitcher capable of making a tangible impact on the outcomes of games.
Strategic Offseason Moves
The signing of Kikuchi is part of a broader strategy by the Angels to shore up their roster during the offseason. Alongside Kikuchi, the Angels have also signed prominent players such as Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks. These acquisitions reflect the organization’s commitment to building a competitive and well-rounded team, capable of tackling the challenges of the upcoming season.
As Kikuchi takes to the mound for the Angels, the team's fans have reason to be optimistic. With his recent improvements and the support of a strong lineup of newly signed talents, the Angels have laid down a marker for their ambitions in the forthcoming season. The prospect of Kikuchi honing his craft even further in a new environment adds an exciting dimension to the Angels’ narrative in the ever-unpredictable world of baseball.