The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant addition to their roster, securing the talents of 33-year-old left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi with a three-year, $63 million contract. Kikuchi’s signing marks a key move for the Angels as they bolster their pitching staff in anticipation of the coming season.
Kikuchi has shown his prowess on the mound over the past few seasons, previously playing for the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. Last season, he recorded an ERA of 4.05, demonstrating his capability as a reliable starter. However, it was during his tenure with the Astros that Kikuchi truly shined, particularly after being traded midseason. In his final ten starts with Houston, he delivered a remarkable 2.70 ERA over 60 innings. This performance underscored his adaptability and skill in adjusting to new team dynamics and expectations.
Adjustments Fueling Success
Part of Kikuchi’s late-season success can be attributed to strategic adjustments in his pitching approach. After joining the Astros, he significantly reduced his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8% and also toned down his curveball usage from 22.7% to 9.5%. Concurrently, he increased his reliance on the slider, with usage jumping to 37.1%. This focus on his slider proved effective, as batters struggled against it, managing a feeble .172/.245/.212 slash line.
The slider became a potent weapon in Kikuchi’s arsenal, producing an impressive 29.2% swinging strike rate. This change in strategy was not just about improving on the mound; it was also a conscious move to maximize his strengths. As one analysis at the time of his trade noted, "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups."
Commanding the Plate
Beyond his pitch selection, Kikuchi demonstrated exceptional command by placing 67.4% of his pitches on the outside part of the plate. This precision created a tactical advantage, as hitters only managed a .591 OPS against him when he targeted the zone outside. Such meticulous placement allowed Kikuchi to control the game and effectively neutralize opposing batters.
Additionally, Kikuchi’s overall contributions translated into 1.4 Wins Above Replacement, a testament to his impactful presence on the field. This metric, provided by Baseball Reference, further highlights his value as a consistent, high-performing pitcher.
Reinforcing the Roster
Kikuchi's acquisition by the Angels comes amid a busy offseason that has seen the team make several key signings. Alongside Kikuchi, the Angels have added players such as Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks. This flurry of activity reflects an aggressive strategy to assemble a competitive team capable of making a strong playoff push.
The Angels’ management clearly sees Kikuchi as a critical piece of the puzzle. His ability to adapt and refine his strategy midseason shows promise for his continued development under the Angels' direction. Kikuchi’s experience in Major League Baseball, combined with his recent achievements, positions him as a player who can provide both leadership and skill to the Angels' rotation.
As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Yusei Kikuchi’s journey with the Angels unfolds. With his proven track record and strategic pitching acumen, Kikuchi has the potential to be a game-changer for the Angels, invigorating the team with his expertise and dedication.