The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant move to bolster their pitching rotation by signing left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million contract. At 33, Kikuchi brings a wealth of experience, including stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros. This acquisition is amongst several offseason signings for the Angels, reflecting an aggressive strategy to contend in the upcoming season.
A Transformative Season
Kikuchi's performance last season demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel under pressure. Initially posting a 4.05 ERA, he showcased remarkable improvement following a midseason trade to the Houston Astros. In his final 10 starts with the Astros, Kikuchi achieved a 2.70 ERA over 60 innings, a testament to his ability to adjust and refine his pitching strategy. His strikeout-to-walk ratio also improved significantly, climbing from an average of 4.68 to 5.43. This improvement underscores Kikuchi's growing proficiency in managing baserunners and controlling the game from the mound.
Crucial to his success was a strategic adjustment in his pitch selection. After joining the Astros, Kikuchi made the decision to reduce his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8% and cut his curveball usage drastically from 22.7% to 9.5%. This shift allowed him to increase his reliance on his slider, boosting its usage to 37.1%. The impact on opposing batters was significant; they managed a paltry .172/.245/.212 slash line against his slider, which achieved an impressive 29.2% swinging strike rate. Kikuchi's deft placement strategy, targeting 67.4% of pitches to the outside part of the plate, resulted in an opponent OPS of just .591 on those pitches.
A Strategic Angle
The modifications in Kikuchi's game have not gone unnoticed. An analysis around the time of his trade suggested, “Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups.” It appears Kikuchi took these insights to heart, transitioning into a more slider-heavy approach that delivered results.
His pitching evolution is further highlighted by his performance metrics, with Baseball Reference estimating his contributions last season at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). This metric reflects Kikuchi's ability not only to prevent runs but also to contribute significantly to his team's success on the field.
A Busy Offseason for the Angels
Kikuchi is not the only new face in the Angels' clubhouse. The team has also welcomed Jorge Soler, Travis d’Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks in a series of moves designed to enhance various facets of their roster. This flurry of activity illustrates the Angels’ commitment to building a competitive team capable of making a significant impact in their division.
The signing of Kikuchi, with his ability to adapt and evolve, particularly resonates in their strategy. His recent track record with the Astros suggests he could play a crucial role in the Angels' aspirations. Whether he can continue this upward trajectory will be key to the Angels’ pitching strength in the coming year.
As the season approaches, the spotlight will be on Kikuchi and his ability to leverage his refined pitching style to disrupt opposing lineups. If he can maintain the momentum he built with the Astros and integrate it into his tenure with the Angels, Kikuchi could well be a cornerstone of a rejuvenated Los Angeles pitching roster.