The rebuilding Seattle Mariners have signed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract through 2021 worth $43 million. As part of the contract, the Mariners can extend it to four years (2022-2025) for $66 million. If that doesn't happen, then Kikuchi can opt to become a free agent or exercise an option for $13 million. If the Mariners extend Kikuchi he can make $109 million in the contract.
Kikuchi, 27, was posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League. That allowed MLB teams to bid on him for 30 days. The winner would need to work out a contract with him. Kikuchi is a three time All-Star in Japan (2013, 2017, 2018). He lead the Pacific League in era (1.97) and in wins (16) in 2017. That season was his best season going 16-6 with a career high 187.2 innings in 26 starts. He has 6 complete games, and 4 shutouts. He had 217 strikeouts which was another career high. Kikuchi has played 8 seasons in Japan. Overall he's 74-48, 2.81 era, 163 games, 158 starts, 15 complete games, 7 shutouts, 1 save, 1,035.1 innings, 925 strikeouts, 381 walks, and a whip of 1.18.
Kikuchi should be able to find success in the MLB if he can stay healthy. Kikuchi had a shoulder issue in 2018. The Seattle Mariners start their 2019 season in Japan against the Oakland Athletics for two games on March 20-21. The Mariners have said that outfielder and future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki will be part of their roster for the series. After the series is over Suzuki won't be part of the Mariners active roster. Both teams are allowed to have 28 players in Japan, and then will need to have 25 players once they return to the United States. It should be exciting for Japan being able to see both Kikuchi and Suzuki.
