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Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi to $63 million contract

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Christopher Hennessy | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 8:48 AM ET

The Los Angeles Angels continued their active offseason by signing Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract. Jon Heyman of the New York Post broke the news on Monday morning. It is the third significant move the team has made, following a trade for Jorge Soler and the signing of Travis D’Arnaud.

“Yusei Kikuchi to the Angels. $63M, 3 years,” Heyman posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

The Angels had the worst season in franchise history in 2024. Their 63-99 record kept them well out of playoff contention while their crosstown rivals lifted another World Series trophy. After losing Shohei Ohtani to those Dodgers, they did not spend in free agency last season. This year has been different already, highlighted by Kikuchi.

Kikuchi started the 2024 season on the Toronto Blue Jays, where he had a mediocre start to the season. The Houston Astros paid up to get the veteran at the trade deadline, where he starred. In ten starts in Houston, he posted a 2.70 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 14 walks.

Yusei Kikuchi stabilizes the Angels’ rotation

Houston Astros starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Part of the issue for the Angels last season was the lack of starting pitching. Jose Soriano was the only starter who posted an ERA under 3.50 for the entire season. While the offense struggled without Ohtani and Mike Trout due to injury, the pitching also needed help. Bringing in a proven veteran who can chew up innings will help the young pitchers.

The Angels are in one of the toughest divisions in baseball to make the playoffs from. The Astros have won the AL West seven of the last eight years, the Mariners are ascending, and the Rangers just won the World Series in 2023. While anything can happen in baseball, the path to the playoffs is treacherous for the Angels.

With Soler, D’Arnaud, and Kikuchi in the fold, there will be a stronger veteran presence on the Angles regardless of Mike Trout’s injury status.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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