Yusei Kikuchi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yusei Kikuchi |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Kikuchi with the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2018
|
|||
| Los Angeles Angels – No. 16 | |||
| Pitcher | |||
| Born: June 17, 1991 Morioka, Iwate, Japan |
|||
|
|||
| Professional debut | |||
| NPB: June 12, 2011, for the Saitama Seibu Lions | |||
| MLB: March 21, 2019, for the Seattle Mariners | |||
| NPB statistics (through 2018 season) |
|||
| Win–loss record | 73–46 | ||
| Earned run average | 2.77 | ||
| Strikeouts | 903 | ||
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) |
|||
| Win–loss record | 41–47 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.57 | ||
| Strikeouts | 837 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
| Career highlights and awards | |||
|
|||
Yusei Kikuchi (菊池 雄星, Kikuchi Yūsei, Japanese pronunciation: [ki̥kɯtɕi jɯꜜːseː], born June 17, 1991) is a talented Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Angels, he played for the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros. He also played in Japan's top league, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), for the Saitama Seibu Lions.
Contents
Early Baseball Career
High School Days
Yusei Kikuchi went to Hanamaki Higashi High School in Japan. This is the same school that famous two-way player Shohei Ohtani later attended. When Kikuchi was a high school pitcher, his fastball could reach speeds of 154 kilometers per hour (about 96 miles per hour).
In 2009, many baseball teams were interested in Kikuchi. Both Japanese NPB teams and American MLB teams wanted to sign him. He was a top player in high school tournaments. Kikuchi helped his high school team reach the finals in a national invitational tournament. They also made it to the semifinals in the national championship.
Choosing a Path
Kikuchi thought about playing in the United States right after high school. This would have been a big decision for a Japanese high school player. He even visited the U.S. in October 2009. He met with several MLB teams, including the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Yankees.
However, Kikuchi decided to stay in Japan. He chose to enter the Japanese baseball draft instead. This meant he would start his professional career in his home country.
Professional Career
Playing for the Saitama Seibu Lions
On November 20, 2009, Kikuchi signed his first professional contract. He joined the Saitama Seibu Lions, a team based near Tokyo. His deal included a large signing bonus.
After the 2011 season, Kikuchi also played for the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League. This helped him gain more experience. In 2018, he was chosen to play in the NPB All-Star Game. This showed he was one of the best players in Japan.
In December 2018, the Lions allowed Kikuchi to enter the posting system. This system lets Japanese players move to Major League Baseball.
Joining the Seattle Mariners
On January 2, 2019, Yusei Kikuchi signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Mariners. He made his MLB debut on March 21, 2019. This game was special because it took place in Japan. Kikuchi was the first Japanese-born player to debut in MLB in his home country.
His first season with the Mariners was a bit tough. He finished with a 6–11 record and an ERA of 5.46. He worked hard and improved in 2020. In 2021, Kikuchi was chosen for the American League All-Star team. This was a big achievement for him.
Time with the Toronto Blue Jays
On March 14, 2022, Kikuchi signed a three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. In his first year with the Blue Jays, he pitched in 32 games. He had a 6–7 record and recorded his first MLB save on September 30.
Kikuchi had a strong season in 2023. He made 32 starts and finished with an 11–6 record. His ERA was 3.86, and he struck out 181 batters. In 2024, he made 22 starts for the Blue Jays.
Playing for the Houston Astros
On July 29, 2024, Kikuchi was traded to the Houston Astros. He made his debut for the Astros on August 2. In that game, he became the first Japanese-born starting pitcher in Astros history. He also tied a team record with eight strikeouts in a row. He finished with 11 strikeouts in his debut.
The Astros won Kikuchi's first nine starts, setting a new team record. This was the longest such streak in Major League Baseball since 2002. During his time in Houston, Kikuchi had a 5–1 record in 10 starts. He finished the 2024 season with a career-high 206 strikeouts. After the season, he became a free agent.
Joining the Los Angeles Angels
On November 27, 2024, Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He will be joining his fourth MLB team.
Playing Style
Yusei Kikuchi is a left-handed pitcher. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He throws the ball from a three-quarters arm angle. His main pitch is a four-seam fastball that can reach speeds of 99 miles per hour. He also throws a very good slider. In addition, he uses a curveball and a changeup to keep hitters guessing.
Personal Life
Yusei Kikuchi is known for his strict sleep routine. Before every game he starts, he reportedly sleeps for 13 to 14 hours. He believes this helps him perform his best.
Kikuchi married Rumi Fukatsu in 2016.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball players from Japan
