Yusei Kikuchi Proving His Worth with the Houston Astros
Yusei Kikuchi, the Japanese pitcher who recently joined the Houston Astros, has been making a name for himself in the MLB. Despite the initial backlash and criticism surrounding his trade to the Astros, Kikuchi has been delivering impressive performances on the mound. With each of his eight starts ending in victory for the team, Kikuchi’s impact on the Astros’ success cannot be overlooked.
Since joining the Astros, Kikuchi has maintained an impressive 3.19 ERA across his eight starts. Not only has he consistently thrown into the sixth inning, but his underlying metrics also suggest a positive regression. Kikuchi’s performance has been a pleasant surprise for both fans and the team.
Kikuchi’s agent, Scott Boras, has praised the pitcher’s contributions to the team. Boras recognizes that with Kikuchi, the Astros have a different dynamic. Kikuchi’s simplified pitching arsenal, consisting of a four-seam fastball and a slider, has allowed him to retire numerous batters and showcase his skills. His ability to pitch with precision and control has been key to his success.
The Astros’ scouting process played a vital role in securing Kikuchi’s talent. Although the team did not actively pursue him when he left Japan, they thoroughly scouted him during the 2018 Nippon Professional Baseball season. This knowledge of Kikuchi’s abilities likely contributed to his renaissance as a pitcher.
Kikuchi’s slider has become a significant part of his repertoire, making up almost half of his pitches in September. The effectiveness of his slider lies in its ability to deceive hitters, with its slower speed catching them off guard. Kikuchi’s slider complements his fastball perfectly, making it difficult for batters to anticipate his pitches.
By abandoning his curveball, Kikuchi has been able to focus more on utilizing his slider effectively. The Astros have encouraged him to experiment with different locations for his slider, particularly targeting the back foot of right-handed hitters. This adjustment has not only increased the effectiveness of his changeup but also showcases Kikuchi’s adaptability and willingness to improve.
As a free agent at the end of the season, Kikuchi’s future with the Astros remains uncertain. However, his comfort and success in his new surroundings are evident. The team should seriously consider extending his contract, given the impact he has had on their starting pitching depth. Acquiring Kikuchi was a strategic move by the Astros, one that has paid off immensely.
Kikuchi’s performance in the upcoming playoffs will be crucial in determining the true value of the trade. With a World Series victory as their ultimate goal, Kikuchi’s contributions to the team’s success cannot be understated. He has proven himself capable of delivering under pressure and has silenced his critics with his stellar performances.
In conclusion, Yusei Kikuchi’s journey with the Houston Astros has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite initial doubts, Kikuchi has risen to the occasion and become an integral part of the team’s success. His ability to pitch with precision and control, coupled with his simplified arsenal, has made him a force to be reckoned with on the mound. As the Astros inch closer to a playoff berth, Kikuchi’s contributions will undoubtedly play a significant role in their pursuit of a World Series title.