Yusei Kikuchi has joined the Angels as a starting pitcher after a strong 2024 season, where he recorded a notable 28.0 percent strikeout rate, ranking eighth among qualifying starters. His performance improved even further with the Houston Astros, achieving a 31.8 percent strikeout rate after increasing his use of the slider. This addition aims to bolster the Angels' struggling pitching staff, which had one of the lowest strikeout rates in the league.

Yusei Kikuchi, now with the Angels, is part of a series of offseason moves aimed at revamping the team. Despite showing promise with a strong finish in 2024, he has yet to achieve a 2-WAR season, raising concerns about his long-term impact on a franchise that has struggled to find a coherent plan under owner Arte Moreno.

Yusei Kikuchi signed with the Los Angeles Angels early in free agency, marking a significant departure for the Astros as they navigate a challenging offseason filled with talent losses.

Yusei Kikuchi, who briefly joined the Astros as a mid-season rental in 2024, is now headed to the Los Angeles Angels after signing with them in free agency, further impacting the Astros' rotation considerations.

Yusei Kikuchi is one of the key additions made by the Angels to strengthen their starting rotation, reflecting the team's aggressive approach to improving their roster after a challenging season.