The Toronto Blue Jays trade Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros in exchange for prospects Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido, and another prospect.
On Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays sent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to the Astros. The 23-year-old right-hander Jake Bloss, rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido, and minor league first baseman Will Wagner were acquired by the Blue Jays in exchange.
With 22 starts this season, the 33-year-old Kikuchi has a 4-9 record, a 4.75 ERA, 130 strikeouts, and 30 walks in 115 2/3 innings. Since his victory over Milwaukee on June 11, he has struggled recently, going 0-4 with a 7.75 ERA in his previous eight outings.
Kikuchi has spent six seasons with Seattle and Toronto, where he has a 35-46 career record and a 4.72 ERA. He is in the last year of a three-year, $36 million contract, with a $10 million salary. Following the World Series, he may become a free agent.
Manager of the Astros Joe Espada stated, “His stuff has always been really good.” “The stuff is really good, but I’m excited to get him with our pitching department so we can make some adjustments to his pitching and make him more efficient.”
Kikuchi will add to the roster of the Astros, which currently consists of Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, Framber Valdez, and Spencer Arrighetti.
José Urquidy (undergoing Tommy John surgery), Cristian Javier, and Justin Verlander (neck stiffness) are the current absences from Houston’s rotation.
Kikuchi and Justin Turner, who was also dealt to the Mariners in a different transaction, were difficult to say goodbye to, according to Toronto manager John Schneider.
Schneider added, “We’re hoping for the best for him and Turner.” “You look at the people over the player, and they’re two of the most well-respected players in the big leagues, even though they play for two American League teams.”
Bloss was taken out of his Monday start against Pittsburgh.
