In a strategic move aiming to solidify their pitching rotation, the Los Angeles Angels have secured the services of left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi on a three-year, $63 million contract. This acquisition is part of the Angels' aggressive off-season strategy to bolster their roster, which has also seen the additions of Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, and Kyle Hendricks.
Kikuchi's Career and Recent Performance
Yusei Kikuchi, at 33 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the Angels, having previously pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. His performance last season with an ERA of 4.05 reflects his capability on the mound, even as the numbers suggest room for improvement.
Interestingly, Kikuchi found a new rhythm after a midseason trade to the Houston Astros. Over his final 10 starts with the Astros, he delivered an impressive performance with a 2.70 ERA over 60 innings, a clear indication of his potential impact with the Angels. His strikeout-to-walk ratio also improved significantly to 5.43 during this period, compared to his season average of 4.68.
Adapting Strategy with the Astros
Kikuchi's success in Houston was partly attributable to an adjusted approach on the mound. Known for his diverse pitching arsenal, he notably reduced his fastball usage from 49.6% to 41.8% and his curveball from 22.7% to 9.5% after joining the Astros. Instead, he focused on maximizing the effectiveness of his slider, increasing its usage to 37.1%.
The adaptation paid dividends. Batters faced against his slider could only muster a .172/.245/.212 slash line, with the pitch generating a swinging strike rate of 29.2%. This strategic shift seemed to align with what analysts had suggested around the time of his trade: "Surely Kikuchi would benefit from reducing his curveball usage in favor of throwing more sliders and changeups."
Tactical Placement and Execution
A key element of Kikuchi’s success has been his ability to place his pitches effectively. An impressive 67.4% of his pitches were targeted to the outside part of the plate, a technique that restricted hitters to a .591 OPS against these pitches. His precise control and tactical advancements were crucial factors in accumulating an estimated 1.4 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
Looking Forward with the Angels
With Kikuchi’s addition, the Angels are not merely shoring up their pitching roster but are also investing in a player capable of adapting and thriving under new strategies. His ability to tune his pitching style according to team needs makes him a valuable asset for the Angels as they seek to compete fiercely in the upcoming seasons.
This move reflects a broader tactical shift for the Angels, who are visibly committed to building a team capable of integrating analytical insights with flexible and adaptable player skills. Kikuchi's journey and performance hint at a promising future in Los Angeles, aiming to bring them closer to their championship aspirations.