MLB Free Agency Rumors: Yusei Kikuchi Lands $63M Angels Contract After Astros Stint

Free-agent starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year contract worth $63 million with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Kikuchi opened the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays before he was traded to the Houston Astros in July.

He thrived in Houston following the change of scenery, becoming a key piece of a rotation that helped the Astros finish with the No. 1 spot in the American League West.

In 22 starts with the Blue Jays to begin the year, Kikuchi owned a 4.75 ERA to go along with a 4-9 record.

As a member of the Astros, the 33-year-old finished with a 5-1 record as well as a 2.70 ERA and 0.933 WHIP. He also struck out 76 batters and allowed 14 walks during 60 innings of worth with Houston.

There appeared to be lots of interest in Kikuchi prior to his decision to join the Angels. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and Blue Jays were all eyeing the veteran.

Kikuchi was an All-Star during the 2021 season and wrapped up an impressive 2023 campaign, posting a 3.86 ERA in 32 starts on the Blue Jays and helping Toronto make a postseason appearance.

After finishing the regular season with a 63-99 record to go along with the third-worst ERA among starting pitchers in the majors, the Angels have continued to be aggressive throughout the beginning of the offseason.

Los Angeles signed veteran starter Kyle Hendricks to a one-year contract on Nov. 8. The Angels also added catcher Travis d'Arnaud on a two-year, $12 million deal while trading for outfielder Jorge Soler as well as infielder Scott Kingery.

As Los Angeles looks to improve in 2025, the team made a major addition to its rotation on Monday.