Yusei Kikuchi Stats & Scouting Report

IP	115.2
ERA	4.75
WHIP	1.34
BB/9	2.33
SO/9	10.12

Full name Yusei Kikuchi
Born 06/17/1991 in Morioka, Japan
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Hanamaki Higashi
Debut 03/21/2019

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Track Record:For the second consecutive season, the top Japanese pitcher coming to the U.S hails from Hanamaki Higashi High. Kikuchi actually graduated from the school the year before Shohei Ohtani arrived, but Ohtani beat him to MLB because Kikuchi waited until he had pitched eight seasons in Japan before being posted. Kikuchi entertained coming to the U.S. immediately out of high school but ended up signing as Seibu’s first pick in the 2009 draft. His best season in Japan was in 2017 when he went 16-6, 1.97. He missed time early in 2018 with a stiff shoulder and was still effective upon his return, but he never showed the same level of dominance. Still, he was highly sought after in free agency and signed with the Mariners for a guaranteed four years and $50 million.

Scouting Report: Kikuchi’s delivery demonstrates his athleticism and balance. He hangs over the rubber on his plant foot through a very extended leg kick that can help disrupt a hitter’s timing. He attacks hitters with a 91-93 mph four-seam fastball that can touch 96. It projects as at least an above-average pitch. He’ll likely look to add a two-seam fastball when he comes to the U.S. to give him a fastball with some sink. Kikuchi pitches off his fastball more than most Japanese pitchers, using it to set up a plus mid-80s slider. The pitch is especially effective because he can command it so well. He can bury it or sweep it out of the zone, but he also can tickle the bottom of the zone with it when needed. His 73-78 mph average curveball is more of an early-count surprise pitch. It’s a big, slow breaker which is effective because of the change of pace and his ability to throw it for strikes. At its best, his curve can lock up hitters who are looking for a fastball. He has sporadically thrown a straight changeup to righthanders. It’s a below-average pitch and he’s more effective against righties by working in and out with his fastball. He’s shown a comfort and ability to dot the inside corner.

The Future: Kikuchi is a mid-rotation starter as a lefty with a track record of success, a plus slider and above-average control. He’s lacks the ceiling of a Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish or Daisuke Matsuzaka, but he should be a useful addition to the Mariners rotation.

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

Rated Best Slider in the Seattle Mariners in 2019

Career Transactions

LHP Yusei Kikuchi elected free agency.
Houston Astros activated LHP Yusei Kikuchi.
Toronto Blue Jays traded LHP Yusei Kikuchi to Houston Astros for RHP Jake Bloss, OF Joey Loperfido and 2B Will Wagner.