On Monday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a deal that sends left-handed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros in exchange for RHP Jake Bloss, INF Will Wagner, and OF Joey Loperfido.
But that wasn’t the only deal for the Blue Jays on Monday. The Mariners also shipped third baseman Justin Turner to the Seattle Mariners. Kikuchi is in the midst of a down season, has a high strikeout rate, and has only allowed 30 walks, which makes him an intriguing asset for an Astros team that has caught fire and grabbed ahold of first in the American League West.
Astros Add Quality Left-Hander to Rotation
In 22 starts this season, Kikuchi is 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA. In 115 2/3 innings he’s struck out 130 batters (10.1 K/9). Kikuchi spent three seasons with the Blue Jays after an all-star season with Seattle. He signed a three-year deal worth $36 million on March 12, 2022.
Kikuchi was emotional as departure from Toronto seemed evident following his final start at the Rogers Centre on Friday night. Coming off the field after a rough outing, he was met with a standing ovation from the home crowd and was shown with tears as the inning concluded.
Toronto still has major assets, such as Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that could be dealt ahead of Major League Baseball’s 6 p.m. Eastern trade deadline on Tuesday, but that would mean selling off its core players.
Blue Jays Get Three Players in Return
Toronto’s return was more than decent for an expiring contract. Jake Bloss is the No. 9 ranked prospect in Houston’s farm system. The 23-year-old was slated to take the mound Monday night before the trade went down. Will Wagner (No. 13 prospect) has spent this season at the Triple-A level. In 38 games at the Major League level, Loperfido was slashing .236/.299/.358. He also hit two home runs.
More Trade Deadline Coverage
- Baltimore Adds Trevor Rogers from Miami to Boost Starting Rotation
- Red Sox Acquire Righty Reliever Lucas Sims from Reds
- Yankees Strengthen Bullpen with Addition of Mark Leiter Jr
- Pirates Acquire Josh Walker From Mets
- Jorge Soler, Luke Jackson Traded Back to Atlanta in Deadline Deal
- Rockies Trade Jalen Beeks to Pirates for Pitching Prospect
- Mariners Acquire Justin Turner in Trade with Blue Jays
- Orioles Rumors at the Deadline
- Pirates Acquire Infielder Nick Yorke from Red Sox
- Rangers Trade Michael Lorenzen to Royals
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