JUST IN: Jay key man finding another level for Jays in contract year
TORONTO — Whether it’s an athlete’s desire to secure a lucrative contract or just fortuitous timing, sports are full of players who excel in their contract years.
Yusei Kikuchi appears to be crafting another such success story.
After a notable improvement in his second year of a three-year, $36-million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, Kikuchi has cut down on walks and home runs, setting the stage for an even better 2024 season.
Through nine starts, the Japanese left-hander has shown consistent performance, sporting a 2.60 ERA after a dominant short outing in Baltimore. Kikuchi has enhanced his command, allowed only four home runs, and maintained his strikeout ability, tallying 55 strikeouts in 52 innings this season.
In essence, Kikuchi is turning his previously inconsistent mid-rotation status into something more promising.
Consider this: Last year, there were concerns about relegating Kikuchi to the bullpen again, where he ended the 2022 season. At that point, his three-year contract with the Jays seemed questionable. By May 24 last year, Kikuchi had a 4.56 ERA, with his underlying stats indicating mediocrity.
However, after 31 starts and adjustments to his mechanics and pitch mix — including developing an 83-mph curveball into his best pitch — Kikuchi has posted a 3.26 ERA since late last May, supported by a 3.13 FIP.
Kikuchi’s resurgence is impressive, reflecting the potential he has shown since arriving in North America and signing with the Seattle Mariners.
By the end of 2024, Kikuchi will have earned over $70 million in his MLB career. If he continues his stellar performance, he could be among the top free-agent pitchers next winter, just behind stars like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Blake Snell, and Walker Buehler. He might even join their ranks if he maintains his current form.
Given his current trajectory, Kikuchi is unlikely to consider an extension with the Jays before exploring free agency. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ management, led by GM Ross Atkins, must plan for the future of their rotation, with Kikuchi, Chris Bassitt (free agent in 2025), and Kevin Gausman (free agent in 2026) all nearing the end of their contracts.
Although the staggered timing of their rotation anchors hitting free agency is somewhat advantageous, the Blue Jays will need to address potential gaps, especially with top prospect Ricky Tiedemann slowed by injuries and Alek Manoah’s future role still uncertain.
Kikuchi and Manoah exemplify how quickly perceptions and fortunes can shift in baseball, particularly for pitchers, where the line between mediocrity and excellence is thin.
Despite a 4.07 ERA in a Blue Jays uniform, Kikuchi has been a valuable and affordable addition for Toronto, with perhaps his most significant contribution yet to come. Not by leading the Jays in the postseason, but potentially as a valuable trade asset at the upcoming trade deadline.