Left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Angels for a three-year contract valued at $63 million, according to a source close to the negotiations. The individual, who requested to remain anonymous, confirmed the deal on Monday, noting that it is contingent upon Kikuchi passing a physical examination. The terms of the contract were originally disclosed by the New York Post.
At the age of 33, Kikuchi will earn $21 million each year through this contract, bringing his total Major League Baseball earnings to $142 million over nine seasons. Kikuchi earned his All-Star title while playing for the Seattle Mariners in 2021. This past year, he posted a record of 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA over 32 starts, playing for both Toronto and Houston after being traded mid-season. In exchange for Kikuchi, the Astros sent 23-year-old right-hander Jake Bloss, rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido, and minor league first baseman Will Wagner to the Blue Jays on July 30.
During his time with the Astros, Kikuchi excelled, going 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA through 10 starts, recording an impressive 76 strikeouts while allowing 14 walks across 60 innings pitched. His four-seam fastball averaged 95.5 mph this season, marking the highest average velocity of his career in the major leagues. Over his six-year career which includes stints with Seattle, Toronto, and Houston, Kikuchi has a record of 41-47 and an ERA of 4.57.
Kikuchi initially joined the Mariners prior to the 2019 season, signing a contract worth $43 million over three years. Additionally, Seattle paid a posting fee of $10,275,000 to the Seibu Lions, his former team in Japan. He then moved to Toronto in March 2022, where he agreed to a $36 million contract spanning three years.
In what has been a notably proactive offseason, the Angels have made significant roster moves. Kikuchi is expected to enhance a starting rotation that consists of fellow left-handers Tyler Anderson and Reid Detmers, along with right-handers José Soriano and newly signed Kyle Hendricks, who recently left the Chicago Cubs after a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
Moreover, on October 31, the Angels traded right-hander Griffin Canning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler. The organization also finalized a two-year contract with catcher Travis d’Arnaud, worth $12 million. The Angels are coming off a challenging season, finishing with a franchise-worst record of 63-99, marking their ninth consecutive losing season and their first following the departure of star player Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers in free agency. The team has not participated in the playoffs since 2014.