Breaking Trade: Yusei Kikuchi Heading West To Playoff Contender

It was only a matter of time before Yusei Kikuchi became an ex-Toronto Blue Jay. The left-hander is heading to the American League West Division, in a trade with the Houston Astros.

The Houston Astros have acquired left-hander Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays, sources tell ESPN.

Deal is done.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2024

Kikuchi is heading to Houston, and reports are that the Blue Jays will receive right-handed starter Jake Bloss as part of the return, along with two other prospects. Bloss is baseball's No. 92 prospect. The 6'3" righty was a 3rd-round selection in the 2023 MLB Draft, and had compiled a 1.91 ERA in 84 minor league innings. His three starts for Houston this season have not gone as well, as he's been rocked to the tune of a 6.94 ERA. Toronto also snags two other solid prospects in 1B/OF Joey Loperfido and IF Will Wagner, the son of former Houston great Billy Wagner.

In Kikuchi, the Astros get a refined southpaw, though a recent slide has dropped his season numbers to a 4.75 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. In his last seven starts, he has a 7.34 ERA, but with a solid 47:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio over those 34.1 innings. As recently as six weeks ago, Kikuchi had a 3.26 ERA on the season. He is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at season's end.

The Astros are still waiting for Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia to return from the injured list, as their rotation has been beset by a multitude of injuries this season.

The Astros were determined to get a proven starter, and pivoted to the Jays from their other talks for a starter, with the Detroit Tigers for Jack Flaherty. Houston beat out the other finalists in the bidding for Kikuchi, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres.