Seattle Mariners add latest Japanese sensation in Yusei Kikuchi

The Seattle Mariners have a history of landing some of the top stars from Nippon Professional Baseball. Yusei Kikuchi is the latest in a line of Japanese stars to come to the Pacific Northwest.

Over the years, the Seattle Mariners have been a hotbed of talent coming over from Nippon Professional Baseball. Beginning with Mac Suzuki, the Mariners have been a landing place for some of the best players to come stateside. The incomparable Ichiro Suzuki, All Stars like Kazuhiro Sasaki and solid options such as Kenji Johjima called Seattle home.

That pipeline of talent from the NPB to Seattle is set to continue as Yusei Kikuchi has agreed to a contract with the Mariners. It is a unique deal, with four years guaranteed, specifically three years and a player option. However, the Mariners can replace the player option with another four guaranteed years on the contract, keeping Kikuchi in Seattle for a total of seven years. Or, conversely, if both sides decline their side, Kikuchi could be a free agent in three seasons.

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The signing of Kikuchi is particularly interesting, given the moves that Seattle has made this offseason. With James Paxton, Jean Segura, Edwin Diaz, and Robinson Cano, amongst others, having been traded, the Mariners have obviously started a rebuild. At best, the Mariners may be two or three years away from contention.

Even with that timeline, Kikcuhi would still fit their long term goals. Despite having spent eight seasons in NPB, he will only be 27 years old once the 2019 season begins. The Mariners will still have their prized lefty in the midst of his prime if they are able to contend during their expected time frame.

Kikuchi is certainly an intriguing pitcher for the Mariners to build around. He has had moments of dominance, including a stellar 2017 campaign where he had a 16-6 record with a 1.97 ERA and a 0.911 WHiP, striking out 217 batters in 187.2 innings. Last year was not quite as dominant, but Kikuchi still had a solid 14-4 record, along with a 3.08 ERA and a 1.033 WHiP, striking out 153 batters in his 163.2 innings.

There is a degree of risk when it comes to Kikuchi. He has battled health issues over the years, particularly with his shoulder, which cost him significant parts of the 2010 and 2013 seasons. Kikuchi missed time again last season, once again with tightness in his shoulder. However, if he can remain healthy, he has the potential to be one of the better starters in the game.

The Seattle Mariners have signed Yusei Kikcuhi to a very interesting contract. The pipeline of talent from Nippon Professional Baseball to the Pacific Northwest has continued once again.