Free-agent starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi has officially signed a three-year contract valued at $63 million with the Los Angeles Angels, according to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This move marks a significant addition to the Angels' pitching rotation as they aim to improve their performance following a challenging 2023 season.

Kikuchi commenced the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Houston Astros in July. His tenure with the Astros was notably successful; he became an essential component of their pitching staff, contributing to Houston's achievement of the top position in the American League West. During his initial 22 starts with the Blue Jays, Kikuchi recorded a 4.75 ERA and a 4-9 win-loss record. In contrast, his performance with the Astros was marked by a 5-1 record, a 2.70 ERA, and a 0.933 WHIP across 60 innings, where he struck out 76 batters while issuing 14 walks.

Prior to finalizing his contract with the Angels, Kikuchi generated considerable interest from several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, and his former organization, the Blue Jays. The 33-year-old pitcher, who was named an All-Star during the 2021 season, concluded the 2023 campaign with a commendable 3.86 ERA over 32 starts, aiding the Blue Jays in their postseason run. Following a 63-99 season with the third-worst ERA among starting pitchers in Major League Baseball, the Angels have been proactive in the offseason, previously signing veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks and acquiring catcher Travis d'Arnaud and outfielders Jorge Soler and infielder Scott Kingery, reinforcing their roster as they prepare for improved performance in 2025.