Angels Sign LHP Yusei Kikuchi to $63M Deal, Strengthening Rotation

Nov 25, 2024, 02:15 PM

The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract with left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, as first reported by Jon Heyman. This marks the most expensive contract signed under General Manager Perry Minasian. Kikuchi was highly effective after being traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline last season, posting a 5-1 record with a 2.70 ERA over 10 starts. Overall, he recorded a 4.05 ERA in 32 starts with a 22.0 K-BB% in 175.2 innings during the season. Kikuchi's addition strengthens the Angels' rotation, which now includes Reid Detmers, José Soriano, Tyler Anderson, Kyle Hendricks, and himself.