Angels bolster rotation with former All-Star pitcher on 3-year, $63M deal

Yusei Kikuchi has found a new home. One of the top starting pitchers on the free agent market, the Japanese hurler has officially signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

Kikuchi was a trade deadline acquisition for the Houston Astros last year, but his expiring contract ensured he would at least enter free agency. Now, he has signed with a division rival.

Kikuchi was with the Toronto Blue Jays last year, but their season did not have the success they envisioned, so players like Kikuchi were dealt to other teams. Three prospects - Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner - landed with the Blue Jays.

Overall, the left-handed pitcher was 9-10 with both teams, posting a 4.06 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 206 strikeouts. Kikuchi did not pitch in the postseason as the Astros were swept in two games by the Detroit Tigers.

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Where does Yusei Kikuchi fit in with the Los Angeles Angels?

Yusei Kikuchi may not be a high-end ace like Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, or other free agents, but he is an impact addition. The Los Angeles Angels have struggled to perform in recent years and needed a better pitching staff.

Tyler Anderson developed into an All-Star pitcher, but behind him, the staff wasn't brimming with talent. Jose Soriano (injured), Kyle Hendricks, Reid Detmers and Samuel Aldegheri currently comprise the back end of the starting five.

Yusei Kikuchi has signed with the LA Angels (Credits: IMAGN)

Kikuchi likely lands in the middle, if not towards the top of the rotation. He may not supplant Anderson as the de facto ace in Anaheim, but he will likely be the number two behind him. Of course, that hinges on whether the LA Angels continue spending and add Snell, Burnes, or someone else.

Despite being one of baseball's worst teams over the last few seasons, including a 99-loss campaign last year, the Angels are committed to improving their team every offseason. That now includes adding Kikuchi to a rotation devoid of top-shelf arms.