In a strategic move to bolster their pitching lineup, the Los Angeles Angels have secured the services of Yusei Kikuchi, a seasoned left-handed pitcher, with a three-year contract valued at $63 million. At 33 years old, Kikuchi brings a wealth of experience and a versatile pitching repertoire that promises to positively impact the Angels' rotation.
Kikuchi's Journey and Recent Form
Kikuchi's journey in Major League Baseball has been nothing short of dynamic. Prior to joining the Angels, he made his mark with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros. During the past season, Kikuchi posted a respectable 4.05 ERA, showcasing his ability to handle the pressures and demands of top-flight baseball.
His midseason trade to the Astros, however, highlighted a remarkable transformation in his gameplay. Kikuchi delivered an impressive 2.70 ERA over 60 innings in his last 10 starts with the Astros, illustrating his adaptability and prowess on the mound. This period also saw him enhance his strikeout-to-walk ratio to an impressive 5.43, up from 4.68 earlier in the season. Clearly, Kikuchi thrived after making key adjustments to his pitching style.
Adjustments and Strategic Pitching
The turnaround can be attributed, in part, to a significant shift in Kikuchi’s pitching strategy. He consciously reduced his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8%, alongside a notable decrease in his reliance on the curveball from 22.7% to 9.5%. Instead, he ramped up his slider usage to 37.1%, a decision that paid dividends as evidenced by hitters managing only a .172 batting average against his slider. The pitch also boasted an impressive 29.2% swinging strike rate, solidifying Kikuchi’s slider as a formidable weapon in his arsenal.
Kikuchi's ability to command the outer edges of the plate further compounded his effectiveness. Placing 67.4% of his pitches to the outside part proved challenging for batters, who recorded a .591 OPS against these carefully placed deliveries.
An expert analysis around the time of his trade suggested that further reducing his curveball usage could be beneficial: "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups.” This insight was pivotal, and Kikuchi's execution of a revised pitching approach validated this perspective.
Impact and Expectations with the Angels
Kikuchi's contributions last season were quantified at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscoring his impact on the field. As he steps into the Angels' clubhouse, Kikuchi is expected to bring a level of stability and reliability that will bolster a pitching rotation in need of both consistency and depth.
In the larger context of the Angels' offseason strategy, Kikuchi is not the only acquisition. The team has also welcomed the likes of Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks, signaling a concerted effort to strengthen all aspects of the team. Each signing reflects the franchise's clear intent to make a competitive push, leveraging both seasoned veterans and strategic acquisitions.
With spring training on the horizon, the Angels' roster is shaping up with renewed vigor. Yusei Kikuchi, equipped with his refined approach and experience, stands poised to be a cornerstone of the team's ambitions. As the season unfolds, both Kikuchi and the Angels are set to embark on a journey that promises excitement and potential success.