Yusei goodbye, the Angels say hello.
The Astros big acquisition at the trade deadline this year was left handed starter Yusei Kikuchi. They sent three prospects, including well liked rookie Joey Loperfido, to the Blue Jays in return for a starter who did not disappoint. Kikuchi was 5-1 in his time with the Astros and brought stability to a ever changing lineup.
On Monday, Kikuchi signed with the division rival Los Angeles Angels for three years, $63 million. While he wasn’t the best starter available in free agency, the fact that he excelled in Houston certainly helped him garner a good deal for himself. Additionally, the Angels have already been quite active in the offseason.
The Astros probably wanted to keep the lefty in house after he pitched so well in Houston, but starting pitching is unlikely to be high on the needs list given Alex Bregman’s free agency and the remaining hole at first base. Still, if 2024 taught us anything, it’s that there is no such thing as too much starting pitching.
The team still has Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco returning. They also expect to have Luis Garcia ready for Spring Training after spending a year recovering from elbow surgery. One might assume Lance McCullers could be added to this list, but we’ve learned not to assume anything when it comes to McCullers and his health. Cristian Javier could spend most of the season on the IL recovering from his arm surgery.
Don’t be surprised if at least one or two prospects have an outside shot at the major league opening day roster as well. Arrighetti demonstrated how effective a rookie can be and the Astros do have a couple of guys close to being ready.
For now, the team is down one reliable starter, which is never a good way to start what should be a very long and complicated offseason.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
