Astros Acquire Yusei Kikuchi from Blue Jays for Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido, and Will Wagner

Jul 30, 2024, 12:56 AM

The Houston Astros have finalized a trade to acquire left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. In exchange, the Blue Jays will receive three prospects: right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido, and infielder Will Wagner. Kikuchi, who has a 4.75 ERA this season but stronger underlying metrics, will bolster the Astros' injury-ravaged starting rotation. Jake Bloss, a top pitching prospect with a 1.64 ERA in the minors this season, is considered the key piece in the return for Toronto. Bloss has pitched 66 innings, allowing 31 hits, 21 walks, and striking out 63 batters. Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner, both of whom have spent time in the MLB this season, are also part of the deal. This trade is seen as a significant move for both teams, with the Astros aiming to strengthen their playoff push and the Blue Jays acquiring promising talent for the future. The Astros' odds to win the World Series are now +1400.