Former Seattle Mariners left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is said to be drawing a lot of interest early this offseason.
Per Chandler Rome, who covers the Houston Astros:
Regarding Yusei Kikuchi’s free agency, Scott Boras said “without having a qualifying offer, you’re looking at a whole menu of teams that normally wouldn’t participate for a starter at that level. For that reason, he’s one of the most sought-after players in free agency.”
Regarding Yusei Kikuchi’s free agency, Scott Boras said “without having a qualifying offer, you’re looking at a whole menu of teams that normally wouldn’t participate for a starter at that level. For that reason, he’s one of the most sought-after players in free agency.”
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 6, 2024
It is not surprising that Kikuchi has a strong market. First, he made 32 starts last season, showing a level of reliability. He also turned 32 in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Additionally, following a midseason trade from Toronto to Houston in 2024, he went 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA. He struck out a total of 206 batters for the year in 175.2 innings, flashy elite-level stuff.
Also, since there’s no qualifying offer attached to him, opposing teams wouldn’t have to give up a high draft pick to Houston, which is appealing to teams that like to hold on to draft assets.
Kikuchi spent three years with Sailors after coming over from Japan, going 15-24 during his tenure. One of the more frustrating pitchers in M’s recent memory, he failed to be consistent. He made the All-Star Game with Seattle in 2021 but didn’t even finish the year in the rotation that season. The Mariners missed the playoffs in the final week of the season.
For what it’s worth, MLBTrade Rumors just predicted he would get a three-year, $60 million deal this winter.
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on “X” @Teren_Kowatsch and @wdevradiobrady. You can subscribe to the “Refuse to Lose” podcast by clicking HERE:
