What will Yusei Kikuchi (32, Toronto Blue Jays) show this season? The second season of a three-year, $36 million (approximately 47.4 billion won) contract. Well done on his first button. On the 26th (hereinafter Korean time), he started against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opening game of the 2023 Major League Baseball exhibition game held at Lecom Park in Bradenton, Florida, USA, and gave up no runs with 1 hit and 5 strikeouts in 2 innings.먹튀검증

Kikuchi started as a starting pitcher last year, but suffered from the worst slump. He suffered the humiliation of being demoted to the bullpen mid-season. Even in the bullpen, he failed to buy the trust of the bench with his undulating pitching. In the end, he only had an ERA of 5.19 with 6 wins, 7 losses and 1 save in 32 games. 21 wins, 31 losses, 5.02 ERA in 102 career games.

Still, Toronto hopes again. It is best to serve as the back of the starting lineup until Ryu Hyun-jin returns in the second half. The Toronto starting lineup this season includes ace Alec Manoa, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt, recruited from the 2022-2023 free agent market, make up the 1st to 4th starters.

Kikuchi competes for the top 5 with Mitch White and others. American and Canadian media predict that when Ryu Hyun-jin returns, he will push out the fifth starter and fill in the last piece of the starting lineup. Anyway, for Kikuchi, something definitely needs to rebound in the first half.

He showed good form. After one shot in the first inning, he threw 5 consecutive sliders to Rodolfo Castro, striking out with a swing, and striking out with a changeup to lead hitter Andrew McCutchen. Episode 2 was overwhelming. Austin Hedges, Miguel Anduha, and Jack Swinsky were struck out one after another. The slider and changeup had a high proportion, and the fastball, which was thrown to Hedges at 94.1 miles, was the highest speed.

Kikuchi is less competitive when it comes to speed. He has to fight with control and command. His last four years in the major leagues have had his ups and downs. How will he be this season? I have two years left in Toronto. If he doesn’t bounce back this year, he’ll have to admit he’s a failed contract for Toronto.