In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their pitching arsenal, the Los Angeles Angels have secured left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi on a three-year contract worth $63 million. At 33, Kikuchi brings a wealth of experience and a recent track record of improvement, having previously showcased his talents with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros.
A Season of Transformation
Kikuchi’s 2023 season was marked by a notable transformation. He began the year with the Blue Jays, posting a serviceable ERA of 4.05. However, it was his midseason trade to the Astros that truly catalyzed his evolution into a more formidable pitcher. In his 10 final starts with Houston, Kikuchi impressed with a stellar 2.70 ERA over 60 innings. This improvement was accompanied by a boosted strikeout-to-walk ratio, which rose from 4.68 to an impressive 5.43.
One key to Kikuchi's success was a significant adjustment in his pitching strategy. Acknowledging the advice of analysts who noted, "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups," he did just that. The change was immediate and impactful.
A Tactical Adjustment
Upon joining the Astros, Kikuchi consciously reduced his fastball usage from nearly half (49.6%) of his pitches to 41.8%, and dramatically cut down on his curveball deployment from 22.7% to just 9.5%. In contrast, his slider usage saw a marked increase, climbing to 37.1%. This strategic shift paid dividends, as demonstrated by the .172/.245/.212 slash line his slider imposed on opposing batters.
His slider not only curbed batter productivity with a 29.2% swinging strike rate but also complemented his broader pitch placement strategy. Kikuchi consistently located 67.4% of his pitches on the outside part of the plate, an approach that limited hitters to a .591 OPS when encountering his outside pitches.
These refinements helped Kikuchi to increase his value, contributing an estimated 1.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference.
The Broader Picture for the Angels
Kikuchi’s signing is a pivotal component of the Angels' larger offseason strategy, which has been underscored by notable acquisitions including Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks. This influx of talent underscores the Angels’ commitment to fortifying their roster in pursuit of a more competitive presence.
As Kikuchi joins Anaheim, the expectations are undoubtedly high. His impressive late-season stint with the Astros sets the stage for him to become a cornerstone in the Angels rotation. His ability to maintain the enhanced strikeout rate and strategic pitch use will be crucial as he transitions into his next chapter in the Major Leagues.
For the Angels, the signing represents not only an investment in skills but also in potential. Kikuchi’s recent improvements suggest that he’s capable of adapting and thriving under new circumstances—a characteristic that will be indispensable as he steers through the challenges and rigors of another MLB season.
While only time will tell how Kikuchi fares with the Angels, his journey thus far indicates a trajectory that’s as promising as it is inspiring. As the Clippers prepare for their upcoming season, Angels fans will watch closely, hopeful that their new acquisition can continue to deliver the same tenacity and strategic acumen that made him such a valuable asset in Houston.