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Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) waits for a new ball after giving up a home run to Boston Red Sox designated hitter Tyler O’Neill (17) in the first inning at Rogers Centre.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays are two teams that could look to be trade partners before the July 30 trade deadline. Milwaukee is currently in command of the National League Central division whereas Toronto is in last place in the American League East. With the Brewers needing starting pitchers they could turn to the Blue Jays for a former All-Star who is on an expiring contract.
One former All-Star starting pitcher could be a trade target for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee Brewers, Brewers News, Brewers Rumors, Toronto Blue Jays, Blue Jays News, Blue Jays Rumors
Jun 6, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre.
With the asking price of starting pitchers Garrett Crochet and Jesus Luzardo very high Brewers GM Matt Arnold may look elsewhere to improve upon his starting rotation. One option he could consider is former All-Star Yusei Kikuchi. The 33 year old southpaw played in the 2021 mid-summer classic as a member of the Seattle Mariners, but is in the final year of a three year, $36 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in which his 2024 salary is $10 million.
How has Yusei Kikuchi performed this season?
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Jun 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at Rogers Centre.
At 33 years old Yusei Kikuchi still has dominating stuff on the mound. His fastball is averaging 96 MPH this season and he gets even more perceived velocity on his heater due to being one of the top pitchers who excels in extension. A season ERA of 3.56 is not super eye-catching, but he did post a 2.64 ERA through his first 10 starts of the season that includes one outing where he threw eight innings and a pair of performances featuring nine strikeouts.
Milwaukee Brewers – Toronto Blue Jays trade proposal involving Yusei Kikuchi.
Milwaukee Brewers, Brewers News, Brewers Rumors, Toronto Blue Jays, Blue Jays News, Blue Jays Rumors
Jun 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
If made available Yusei Kikuchi could be an interesting trade target to consider for the Brewers because his asking price will be significantly less than other lefties such as Garrett Crotchet and Jesus Luzardo. Kikuchi could improve his stock over the next month, but between being a rental and not being considered one of the top arms available a trade involving one top 30 prospect may be enough to get a deal done.