The Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays are potential trade partners ahead of the July 30 deadline. Milwaukee leads the National League Central, while Toronto sits at the bottom of the American League East. Seeking starting pitchers, the Brewers may turn to the Blue Jays, who have a former All-Star on an expiring contract.
With the high asking price for pitchers Garrett Crochet and Jesus Luzardo, Brewers GM Matt Arnold might explore other options to bolster his rotation. One alternative could be Yusei Kikuchi, a 33-year-old left-hander and former All-Star who played for the Seattle Mariners in the 2021 All-Star Game. Kikuchi is in the final year of a three-year, $36 million contract with the Blue Jays, with a 2024 salary of $10 million.
How has Yusei Kikuchi performed this season?
At 33 years old, Yusei Kikuchi remains a formidable presence on the mound. His fastball averages 96 MPH this season, benefiting from his exceptional extension which enhances its perceived velocity. While his season ERA of 3.56 may not immediately stand out, he showcased strong performance early in the year with a 2.64 ERA over his first 10 starts. Among these were standout outings including an eight-inning gem and a couple of games with nine strikeouts each.
If the Brewers consider Kikuchi as a trade option, his appeal lies in a potentially lower asking price compared to left-handers like Garrett Crochet and Jesus Luzardo. Although Kikuchi could enhance his value in the coming weeks, being a rental player and not ranked among the top available arms suggests that acquiring him might only require parting with a top 30 prospect to strike a deal.
Brewers and Blue Jays trade proposal:
Brewers receive:
- LHP Yusei Kikuchi
Blue Jays receive:
- INF Luke Adams
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