MLB Trade Rumors: Dodgers, Padres Among Teams Eyeing Blue Jays' Yusei Kikuchi

The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros have all explored a trade for Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Morosi reported a swap "is seen as very likely" ahead of Tuesday's 6 p.m. ET deadline.

The Blue Jays are 49-56 and 7.5 games back of the final wild-card spot in the American League. FanGraphs gives them just a 1.4 percent chance of reaching the postseason.

Dealing a veteran who's in the last year of his contract is a natural decision for Toronto to consider given its bleak outlook. Some are wondering whether the front office should weigh more drastic moves, such as sending out four-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The return from a Kikuchi would be somewhat limited given his expiring contract along with the fact he's not a No. 1 ace. Flipping him for anything would mean getting more than just watching him leave as a free agent, though.

The 33-year-old is 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA but a more impressive 3.64 FIP in 22 appearances. He's also averaging his fewest walks (2.3) and second-highest strikeouts (10.1) per nine innings.

For a contender, Kikuchi is an attractive target because of his low cost along with his relatively stable performance on the mound. He made 93 starts with a 4.38 ERA and 468 strikeouts to 168 walks between 2021 and 2023. The southpaw has stayed healthy while helping to fill out the back half of the rotation.

Kikuchi won't be a major difference-maker on a different team, but the depth he can provide would go a long way in the stretch run.