In a striking move during the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels have secured the services of left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who was snapped up on a three-year contract valued at $63 million. The addition of Kikuchi to the Angels’ roster highlights their ambition to bolster their pitching lineup as they aim for a successful campaign in the upcoming season.
Kikuchi's Journey and Recent Performance
At 33, Yusei Kikuchi brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously donned the jerseys of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros. His career trajectory saw a notable improvement following a midseason trade to the Astros, where he showcased a remarkable turnaround. During his final 10 starts with Houston, Kikuchi delivered an impressive 2.70 ERA over 60 innings, a testament to his adaptability and skillful pitching.
Key Adjustments and Metrics
The transition to Houston allowed Kikuchi to make significant adjustments to his pitching arsenal, which evidently paid dividends. A strategic decrease in fastball usage, from 49.6% to 41.8%, along with a sharp reduction in his curveball (from 22.7% to 9.5%), aligned with increased reliance on his slider, set the tone for his improved performance. This alteration saw his slider usage climb to 37.1%, a decision that was met with considerable success.
Regarding the effectiveness of his slider, opposing batters managed only a paltry .172/.245/.212 slash line during his tenure with the Astros. His slider produced a remarkable 29.2% swinging strike rate, showcasing his capability to outwit batters within the strike zone. Moreover, his precision on the mound was reflected in his skillful placement, with 67.4% of his pitches targeting the outside part of the plate, resulting in a .591 OPS for hitters against outside pitches.
Strikeout Prowess
Kikuchi's adaptation was equally evident in his improved strikeout-to-walk ratio during his stint with the Astros, elevating from 4.68 to 5.43. This prowess contributed significantly to his value as a pitcher, contributing to a season measured at 1.4 Wins Above Replacement, according to the metrics from Baseball Reference.
The notable analysis at the time of his trade speculated, "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups." The results following his trade validated this theory, underscoring the positive impact of his strategic shift in strategy.
The Angels' Ambitious Offseason
Kikuchi's acquisition forms part of a broader strategy by the Angels, who have been aggressive in the offseason, further signing the likes of Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks. This flurry of activity signals a clear intent from the franchise to revamp their roster and emerge as serious contenders in the league.
As the Angels prepare for the forthcoming season, the inclusion of Kikuchi signifies more than just a change in personnel. It reflects an evolution in their tactical approach, aimed at leveraging Kikuchi's refined pitching style to gain a competitive edge. With a renewed roster and strategic intent, the Los Angeles Angels stand poised to potentially reshape their fortunes as they look ahead to a promising season.