Yusei Kikuchi, a 33-year-old left-handed pitcher and former Toronto Blue Jays player, has signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. This significant acquisition is part of the Angels’ aggressive strategy to strengthen their roster following a challenging 99-loss season.

Kikuchi’s 2024 season was notable for his midseason trade from the Blue Jays to the Houston Astros. During his tenure with the Astros, he made 10 starts, achieving a 5-1 record with a 2.70 ERA, 76 strikeouts, and only 14 walks over 60 innings. This performance highlighted his ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations.

Prior to his MLB career, Kikuchi played eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Saitama Seibu Lions, where he earned multiple All-Star selections and led the Pacific League in wins and ERA in 2017. He transitioned to MLB in 2019 with the Seattle Mariners and later joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022. Throughout his MLB career, Kikuchi has accumulated a 41-47 win-loss record with a 4.57 ERA and 837 strikeouts.

The Angels’ general manager, Perry Minasian, expressed enthusiasm about Kikuchi’s addition, citing his durability, strike zone command, and swing-and-miss capabilities as key factors that align with the team’s objectives. Kikuchi is expected to play a pivotal role in the Angels’ starting rotation, joining pitchers such as Tyler Anderson, José Soriano, and Kyle Hendricks. This move underscores the Angels’ commitment to enhancing their pitching staff and overall team performance in the upcoming season.