The Houston Astros made a significant move on Monday, acquiring left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. The addition of Kikuchi gives the Astros another veteran arm for their rotation as they look to make a push for the playoffs.
In exchange for Kikuchi, the Blue Jays received right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido, and minor league infielder Will Wagner. Bloss, who was scratched from his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, was considered the Astros’ No. 9 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He had a rough start to his rookie season, posting a 6.94 ERA in three starts for Houston.
Loperfido, a 25-year-old rookie, struggled at the plate for the Astros, hitting just .236 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 38 games. Wagner, on the other hand, had a solid season in Triple-A Sugar Land, batting .307 with five home runs and 41 RBIs in 70 games. He is also the son of former MLB closer Billy Wagner.
As for Kikuchi, the 33-year-old left-hander had a decent season with the Blue Jays, going 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts. In his six-year career in the majors, Kikuchi has compiled a 36-46 record with a 4.72 ERA in 156 appearances, mostly as a starter.
Overall, this trade seems to benefit both teams. The Astros get a reliable veteran arm in Kikuchi, while the Blue Jays add some promising young talent to their organization. It will be interesting to see how Kikuchi performs down the stretch for the Astros and how the prospects acquired by the Blue Jays develop in the coming years.
–Field Level Media
