Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels, bolstering their pitching rotation as they aim to compete in the upcoming season.

Yusei Kikuchi has agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, marking a significant move in the offseason. This agreement is part of a busy period for agent Scott Boras, who is also representing several other players securing new deals.

Yusei Kikuchi's transition to the Angels raises concerns about his potential performance, as he thrived in environments with strong stolen base prevention in Toronto and Houston. While he had success controlling the running game, particularly with Danny Jansen as his catcher, his struggles in Houston highlight the variability of his situation. The Angels have made an effort to improve their catching by acquiring Travis d'Arnaud, which could benefit Kikuchi. However, the relationship between a team's ability to prevent stolen bases and overall pitching performance is weak, suggesting that Kikuchi's new circumstances may not significantly hinder his effectiveness.