Astros Acquire Yusei Kikuchi from Blue Jays for Jake Bloss

Jul 29, 2024, 11:58 PM

The Houston Astros have finalized a deal to acquire left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. The trade, confirmed by multiple sources, involves the Astros sending right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss to Toronto. Bloss, who was set to jump to No. 2 in the Astros' system in MLB Pipeline's midseason re-rank, is expected to be a key part of the Blue Jays' future pitching prospects. The deal also includes two additional prospects heading to Toronto. Kikuchi, who has an ERA of 4.75 but an xERA of 3.98, xFIP of 3.39, and SIERA of 3.46, will join the Astros' injury-ravaged starting rotation. Kikuchi has an ERA of 6.87 since May 26. The acquisition comes as the Astros aim to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the MLB trade deadline.