Breaking News: Former Blue Jays Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi Signs Big Three-Year Deal with Seattle Mariners.
November 28, 2024 – Seattle, WA – In a surprising move that has shaken the MLB off-season, former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi has signed a significant three-year contract with the Seattle Mariners. The deal, reported to be worth $45 million, returns Kikuchi to the franchise where he started his major league career in 2021.
Kikuchi, who had spent the past three seasons with the Blue Jays, has seen his stock rise over the years as a reliable starter, even though his tenure in Toronto had its ups and downs. Known for his explosive fastball and solid strikeout capabilities, the left-handed pitcher will be a valuable addition to the Mariners’ pitching rotation for the next three years.
The 33-year-old Kikuchi originally joined the MLB ranks as one of the most highly touted international prospects from Japan. After three seasons in Toronto, where his performance fluctuated, he finished the 2024 season with a solid 3.73 ERA, a testament to his development. While he struggled with consistency at times, Kikuchi’s potential was clear, and the Mariners’ front office believes that he will thrive back in a familiar environment.
Seattle Mariners’ general manager Jerry Dipoto expressed excitement about the signing: “We are thrilled to bring Yusei back to Seattle. He was a key part of our pitching staff during his time here, and we are confident that he will continue to build on his success. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our young pitchers, and we see this as a great opportunity for both Yusei and the Mariners.”
Kikuchi made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2021 after signing a three-year, $43 million deal, a move that was hailed as a strategic acquisition by the Mariners. However, his performance was inconsistent over his initial years, leading to his departure in 2024 when he signed a contract with the Blue Jays. There, he had a solid bounce-back campaign and proved his worth as a dependable pitcher for Toronto’s rotation.
For Kikuchi, the move back to Seattle represents a fresh start, one that he believes will allow him to rediscover the form that made him a high-profile international signing. “I’m excited to return to Seattle, a city and team that has been a great part of my MLB journey,” Kikuchi said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with the Mariners’ coaching staff and helping the team reach new heights in the coming seasons.”
This signing marks a major acquisition for the Mariners as they continue to bolster their roster and push for a competitive playoff run in the American League. The Mariners, who finished just short of a postseason spot in 2024, will be hoping that Kikuchi’s addition solidifies their rotation and helps the team build on their recent successes.
With his powerful arm and veteran experience, Kikuchi’s return to Seattle is one of the biggest moves of the 2024-2025 MLB off-season, and it is sure to have a ripple effect across the league.
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