Yusei Kikuchi and Los Angeles Angels Sign $63 Million Deal: A New Chapter in His Career
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Notable Contracts
Left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi has officially signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels . The deal, first reported by the New York Post , passed a successful medical . Kikuchi will earn $21 million a year , bringing his total Major League Baseball earnings to $142 million over nine seasons, according to an unnamed source.
Kikuchi’s Impressive Performance
Kikuchi had a solid 2021 season, finishing with a 9–10 record and a 4.05 ERA in 32 games for Toronto and Houston . He joined the Astros on July 30 , after being traded from Toronto. In 10 appearances with Houston, Kikuchi went 5–1 with a 2.70 ERA , throwing 76 strikeouts and allowing just 14 walks in 60 innings . His four-seam fastball averaged a career-high 95.5 mph.
Trading and Investment History
Kikuchi signed a three-year, $43 million contract with the Seattle Mariners before the 2019 season , with the Mariners paying $10.275 million to acquire him from the Pacific League ‘s Seibu Lions . He then signed with Toronto in March 2022 on a three-year, $36 million deal . These investments show the significant value Kikuchi has brought to teams.
Los Angeles Angels New Lineup
The Los Angeles Angels are building a strong roster with the addition of Kikuchi. He will join a pitching unit that includes left-handed pitchers Tyler Anderson and Reid Detmers , along with right-handed pitchers José Soriano and Kyle Hendricks . The Angels also recently signed Hendricks to a one-year, $2.5 million contract after he left the Chicago Cubs .
Challenges and Future Goals
Last season, the Angels had their worst record in history at 63-99 , marking their ninth consecutive losing season. It was also the team’s first season without Shohei Ohtani , who became a free agent and signed with the Dodgers . The Angels’ goal is to regain their form and make the playoffs for the first time since 2014 .
The Bright Future of Kikuchi and Angels
The arrival of Yusei Kikuchi to the Los Angeles Angels is not only a major step forward in his career but also a positive sign for the team. With his experience and ability, Kikuchi hopes to help the Angels improve their performance and return to success in the future. Fans are eagerly awaiting the team’s next steps in the upcoming season.
