Ex-Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is on the move once again.
Upon being traded to the Houston Astros back in July, the 33-year-old is moving to another American League West club, reportedly signing a deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
As per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Angels have agreed to a three-year contract with the free agent.
Angels, LHP Yusei Kikuchi reportedly agree to 3-year deal, per @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/ZooMF2EYoX
— MLB (@MLB) November 25, 2024
A fan favourite during his time with the Jays, reports from earlier this month indicated that Kikuchi was contemplating returning to the Canadian market.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays were keeping tabs on Kikuchi and were, among other teams, interested in signing him.
“[Kikuchi is] awfully popular, too, after shoving for Houston following a maligned trade from Toronto. The Astros want him back, and other teams expected to operate in the midtier pitching market — the Cubs, Dodgers, Angels and, if they whiff on the bigger names, Blue Jays and Orioles — could compete for the 33-year-old’s services,” Passan wrote.
Meanwhile, according to a Thursday report from MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins is targeting three of the best starting pitchers available on the free agent market: Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Blake Snell.
Kikuchi wrapped up his Toronto stint with a 21-22 record, a 4.48 ERA, and 435 strikeouts over three seasons.