In a significant offseason move, the Los Angeles Angels have bolstered their pitching rotation by signing left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract worth $63 million. At 33, Kikuchi brings a combination of experience and recent success to an Angels team looking to strengthen its roster and compete more fiercely in the upcoming MLB season.
Kikuchi's Journey
Kikuchi's journey to the Angels has been marked by growth and adaptation. Last season, he played for both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros, where his performances revealed marked improvements and strategic adjustments. His overall ERA settled at 4.05, but his stint with the Astros highlighted his potential, posting an impressive 2.70 ERA over 60 innings in his final 10 starts.
One of the key elements to Kikuchi's late-season success was his ability to refine his pitching strategy. Upon joining the Astros, he reduced his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8% and significantly cut his curveball usage from 22.7% to 9.5%. This strategic shift allowed him to focus more on his slider, increasing its usage to 37.1%, a move that paid dividends.
The Slider and Its Impact
Kikuchi's slider became a crucial weapon in his arsenal during his time with Houston. Batters faced a daunting .172/.245/.212 slash line against it, and the slider's swinging strike rate soared to 29.2%. This pitch not only kept hitters off-balance but also showcased Kikuchi's ability to execute pitches effectively on the outside part of the plate, where he placed 67.4% of his pitches. Opponents managed just a .591 OPS against Kikuchi's outside pitches, testament to his control and tactical execution.
His improved strikeout-to-walk ratio with the Astros, climbing from 4.68 to 5.43, illustrates his enhanced command. This sharpening of his skills contributed to Kikuchi's 1.4 Wins Above Replacement as estimated by Baseball Reference, underlining his value as a starting pitcher.
A Strategic Move for the Angels
The Angels' decision to sign Kikuchi seems to align with their overall strategy of securing seasoned and impactful players. Alongside Kikuchi, they have also secured the services of Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks in a bid to deepen their roster. These acquisitions suggest the team's commitment to addressing both offensive and defensive capabilities as they prepare for the new season.
Kikuchi's ability to adapt and emphasize his strengths, as seen during his dynamic stint with the Astros, bodes well for his future with the Angels. An analysis around the time of his trade noted, "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups." This insight proved prescient as Kikuchi's focus on his slider became a fundamental shift in his approach.
Looking Ahead
As Kikuchi joins a rotation striving to find consistency and potency, his blend of experience, adaptability, and recent form makes him an intriguing addition. His late-season evolution into a more slider-dependent pitcher offers a glimpse into what the Angels might expect from him: a competitive edge crafted from thoughtful adjustments and precise execution.
With Kikuchi now part of their roster, the Angels may well be poised to disrupt the balance within their division, counting on Kikuchi's refined skills to make a tangible impact on their journey ahead. His journey thus far reveals a pitcher who not only learns from his experiences but also leverages them to enhance his game, a quality that any team seeking success would highly cherish.