Blue Jays Reveal Plans for Pitcher in 2023

It's no secret that Yusei Kikuchi had a disappointing season in his Toronto Blue Jays debut this year. 

Kikuchi started the season very well pitching out of the rotation, however, things began to crumble for him later on until he literally became unusable as a starting pitcher. 

This led many to wonder what role Kikuchi would have in the 2023 season. 

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays hope to use Kikuchi out of their rotation again next season. 

The #BlueJays hope for Yusei Kikuchi to pitch out of their rotation next year

Best-case scenario, Hyun-Jin Ryu returns from Tommy John surgery late next year as well

Still, Jays expected to seek SP

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) October 11, 2022

The thirty-one-year-old held a 5.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 124 strikeouts over 100 innings of work this season. He made 20 starts, 12 relief appearances, and held a 6-7 record. 

The Blue Jays signed Kikuchi this past offseason to a three-year contract worth $36 million. 

The Blue Jays are still hoping that veteran starter Hyun-Jin Ryu can return from Tommy John surgery late next year as well, but even he looked very bad in his few starts this season. 

Regardless, the Jays are expected to seek some more starting pitching help this offseason while running it back with Yusei Kikuchi as a starting pitcher.

Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports