Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington has named left-hander Yusei Kikuchi the team’s Opening Day starter for their March 27 matchup against the Chicago White Sox, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. Washington didn’t have to think too long to name Kikuchi the starter this early into spring training, who called it an “obvious” choice.”
“I didn’t tell him, it’s just obvious,” Washington said. “We just signed him to a big contract and we didn’t bring him here to be our No. 4 or 5 [starter]. We didn’t bring him here to be a three or two, we brought him here to lead our staff.”
The six-year veteran, who signed a three-year, $63 million deal this offseason, was told in January to prepare to start for the club’s first game.
Yusei Kikuchi Gets Opening Day Nod for Angels
Kikuchi, 33, holds a career record of 41-47 with a 4.57 ERA over 166 games. Last season, he posted a 4-9 record and a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays but excelled after being traded to the Houston Astros in late July. In 10 starts with the American League West champions, he went 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
His underlying metrics were strong. That and his fastball velocity improved in 2024, averaging 95.5 mph—his highest since entering the majors in 2019. Despite his talent, Kikuchi was often viewed as an enigma during his time with the Seattle Mariners and Blue Jays. His performance fluctuated from season to season, and his challenge now is to build on the progress he made in Houston.
Surprisingly, the Angels had a productive offseason. They made significant moves, acquiring players such as Jorge Soler, Travis d’Arnaud, Kevin Newman, Kyle Hendricks, Kenley Jansen, and Yoán Moncada. With these new additions, Kikuchi could help improve a team that finished last in the AL West with just 63 wins last year.
Main Photo: © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
