The Houston Astros made a significant move before this year’s MLB trade deadline by acquiring veteran starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays in an expensive trade. Although Kikuchi had a decent season with the Blue Jays, it wasn’t exceptional.
To secure Kikuchi, the Astros traded Joey Loperfido, Will Wagner, and Jake Bloss, a deal many saw as an overpayment by Houston. However, since joining the Astros, Kikuchi has been outstanding.
In his four starts with Houston so far, Kikuchi has recorded a 2-0 record, a 2.42 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, a 4.4 K/BB ratio, and 22.1 innings pitched.
Unfortunately, the 33-year-old left-hander is set to become a free agent this offseason, raising the possibility that the Astros may have given up a lot for an elite half-season rental. He could easily leave in free agency.
MLB insider Jim Bowden recently listed the top 50 free agents for the 2025 class, with Kikuchi ranked at No. 26. Bowden noted, “Yusei Kikuchi’s best year was 2023, when he went 11-6 with a 3.86 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 32 starts. The Blue Jays traded him to the Astros at the deadline after he compiled a 4.75 ERA over 22 starts. He struck out 19 and walked six in his first 11 innings with the Astros. He’s always had a good arm and stuff, but lack of command and control has been his downfall.”
As the offseason approaches, several teams will be in the market for starting pitching upgrades, and Kikuchi will be a top target. There’s also a strong chance that Houston will aggressively try to re-sign him, as Dana Brown likely had long-term plans in mind when making the trade.
Other teams that could pursue Kikuchi include the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, and possibly the New York teams. Kikuchi is expected to have a large market, and it will be interesting to see how determined the Astros are to bring him back.
