The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant move this offseason, signing left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract valued at $63 million. This acquisition reflects the Angels' commitment to strengthening their pitching rotation as they aim for a more competitive season ahead.
Kikuchi's Career Overview
At 33 years old, Kikuchi brings valuable experience to the mound. His journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) has seen him previously don the jerseys of the Toronto Blue Jays and, most recently, the Houston Astros. During his tenure last season, Kikuchi posted a respectable ERA of 4.05. However, it was his stint with the Astros that showcased his true potential, culminating in an impressive 2.70 ERA over his final 10 starts, spanning 60 innings.
A vital factor in Kikuchi's success in Houston was his refined strikeout-to-walk ratio, which improved to 5.43 with the Astros compared to 4.68 overall last season. This uptick in performance is attributed to a strategic adjustment in his pitching approach.
Adapting to Win
Kikuchi’s ability to adapt was evident when he significantly altered his pitch selection upon his midseason move to Houston. He reduced his reliance on his fastball, decreasing its usage from 49.6% to 41.8%. In tandem, his curveball usage saw a stark reduction, dropping from 22.7% to just 9.5%.
This transition was accompanied by an increased emphasis on his slider, which he deployed 37.1% of the time. The results were undeniable, with batters struggling against Kikuchi's slider, achieving a mere .172/.245/.212 slash line and encountering a swinging strike rate of 29.2%. The effectiveness of his outside pitches was equally noteworthy, with opponents managing just a .591 OPS against them.
Strategic Insights and Historical Context
An intriguing analysis from the time of Kikuchi's trade suggested, "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups." The Astros' coaching staff evidently aligned with this notion, facilitating Kikuchi's transformation into a more unpredictable and effective pitcher.
These adjustments were pivotal as Kikuchi placed a significant 67.4% of his pitches toward the outer part of the plate. This strategic precision not only baffled hitters but also contributed to his contributions being valued at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
The Angels' Offseason Moves
Kikuchi's signing is just one among several strategic moves by the Angels during a bustling offseason. The team has also secured deals with players like Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks. These additions indicate a broader strategy of the Angels to bolster their roster with experienced and versatile players, aiming to make a significant impact in the coming season.
For the Angels, the acquisition of a pitcher of Kikuchi's caliber and adaptability is a positive step towards solidifying their pitching rotation. As the new season approaches, much attention will be focused on how these offseason maneuvers translate onto the field. Kikuchi, with his recent track record and evolving style, is poised to play a central role in the Angels' pursuit of success.