Angels Strengthen Rotation with Veteran Signing
The Los Angeles Angels, after enduring a franchise-worst season with 99 losses in 2024, have made a significant move to bolster their pitching rotation. The franchise has secured the services of veteran left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi with a three-year, $63 million free-agent contract, signaling their intent to rebound strongly in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
Kikuchi, 33, brings with him a wealth of experience and a renewed approach to pitching. Last season saw him splitting time between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros, delivering notable performances that captured the attention of several teams. Across 32 starts in the 2024 season, Kikuchi compiled a 4.05 ERA and a 3.46 FIP, accompanied by 206 strikeouts and 44 unintentional walks in 175 2/3 innings. His tenure with the Astros was particularly impressive, where he posted a 2.70 ERA and a 147 ERA+ across just 10 starts.
While some critics were initially skeptical when the Astros traded some of their top prospects for Kikuchi, the move later proved to be a calculated gamble. As one unsourced comment put it, "The Astros were widely panned at the trade deadline when they surrendered some of their best prospects for Kikuchi. It wasn't a matter of talent so much as a question of execution. Kikuchi has long been appraised as having a phenomenal arsenal; he's just seldom performed like it."
During his time with the Astros, Kikuchi made significant adjustments to his pitching style, notably reducing his reliance on fastballs and curves while opting to increase his use of the slider to over 37%. This retooled approach contributed to a remarkable 5.43 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Angels are betting on these adjustments carrying forward, helping solidify a rotation that has been inconsistent in recent years.
For the Angels, the signing of Kikuchi is part of a broader strategy during the offseason, which also saw the acquisitions of Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kyle Hendricks, and Kevin Newman. The team aims to support its budding young core, featuring up-and-comers like Logan O'Hoppe and Zach Neto, to forge a competitive roster capable of challenging for honors.
Despite his statistical ups and downs, Kikuchi remains a coveted asset in the league. His career OPS+ stands at 91 over six MLB seasons, reflecting his struggles to consistently reach the high expectations scouts have always had for his "phenomenal arsenal." Yet, as another observer keenly noted, "Logic dictates teams are unlikely to put greater weight in 10 starts than the preceding 144. Still, it only takes one True Believer for Kikuchi to land a richer than expected deal." This sentiment underscores the Angels' willingness to invest in Kikuchi's potential to harness his complete skill set effectively.
The arrival of Kikuchi in Los Angeles holds promise not only for invigorating the Angels' rotation but also for adding a veteran presence to guide their younger players. As the team looks to put their disappointments behind them, the signing could mark a turnaround in their fortunes, setting the stage for a competitive 2025 season. With new-found optimism and a reshaped lineup, the Angels are poised to aim for nothing short of resurrecting their standing in MLB.