The Los Angeles Angels have made headlines this offseason by signing left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year deal worth $63 million. At 33, Kikuchi brings a wealth of experience and a promising recent track record that the Angels hope will bolster their pitching rotation. This move comes amid a series of strategic offseason acquisitions for the Angels, who are clearly aiming to revamp their roster for the upcoming season.
A Season of Transformation
Kikuchi's journey to Los Angeles was marked by significant improvements and strategic changes that unfolded last season. After starting the year with the Toronto Blue Jays, Kikuchi was traded to the Houston Astros, where his performance notably improved. During his time with the Astros, Kikuchi posted a commendable 2.70 ERA over 60 innings in his final 10 starts, showcasing a resurgence in form that likely piqued the Angels' interest.
Alongside the improved ERA, Kikuchi's strikeout-to-walk ratio also saw an uptick from 4.68 to 5.43, reflecting a heightened level of precision and command. The transformation didn't stop there; he also undertook significant adjustments in his pitching strategy. Kikuchi reduced his reliance on his fastball, cutting its usage from 49.6% to 41.8%, and similarly decreased his curveball utilization from 22.7% to a mere 9.5%. Instead, he leaned heavily on his slider, increasing its usage to 37.1%.
The Slider: Kikuchi's New Weapon
Kikuchi’s slider proved to be a formidable asset during his stint with the Astros. Batters struggled against it, managing a paltry .172/.245/.212 slash line. The effectiveness of the slider was further underscored by its 29.2% swinging strike rate, indicating that hitters were often left guessing and swinging at air. Additionally, Kikuchi showcased his ability to spot pitches effectively, placing 67.4% of his pitches to the outside part of the plate. This strategic placement limited hitters to a .591 OPS on these pitches, showcasing Kikuchi’s evolved pitching acumen.
Building on Wins Above Replacement
The advanced stats present Kikuchi as a valuable addition to any team seeking a boost to their rotation. His contributions last season were calculated at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference, a respectable figure that underscores his overall impact on the mound. With the Angels eyeing contention, adding a pitcher of Kikuchi’s caliber aligns with their broader team-building strategy.
Complementary Offseason Moves
Beyond Kikuchi, the Angels have been noticeably active in strengthening their roster, adding talents such as Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks. These acquisitions signal a deliberate and strategic approach by the Angels’ management to assemble a competitive team that can challenge for postseason glory.
With a roster infused with both experienced and dynamic players, the Angels are poised to make a substantial impact in the coming season. This deliberate infusion of talent reflects an ambitious blueprint that the franchise believes can restore it to prominence.
As Kikuchi joins the Angels, many analysts have noted: "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups." This analysis, surfacing around the time of his trade, proved prescient as Kikuchi's adjustments went hand-in-hand with his improved performances in Houston.
The Angels’ betting on Kikuchi’s transformation is more than a mere investment in talent; it is a calculated gamble on a player who has demonstrated the adaptability and skill necessary to succeed at the highest level. As the stepping stones are laid for a promising chapter in Los Angeles, fans and analysts alike will closely watch to see if Kikuchi can replicate his successful stretch with the Astros and help lead the Angels to new heights.