Yusei Kikuchi, a leading candidate to start for Japan against Korea in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), completed his first bullpen session with the national team on February 24. The 35-year-old LA Angels pitcher threw 17 pitches to Seattle Mariners minor leaguers during training in Miyazaki.
Impressive Velocity and Early Momentum
Kikuchi showcased his signature power during the session, with onlookers including Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres. Freshly added to the roster, Darvish observed as Kikuchi ramped up intensity ahead of the WBC preliminaries.
Prior to joining the team, Kikuchi dominated in Angels spring training on February 21. He pitched four innings, allowing four hits, two walks, and striking out five on 74 pitches. His fastball peaked at 96 mph (154 km/h), signaling peak form.
Key Matchups in WBC Lineup
Japan’s rotation features powerhouses like Tomoyuki Sugano (36, Colorado Rockies) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (28, LA Dodgers). Yamamoto eyes the opener against a major opponent, while Sugano targets the second game versus Korea. Mid-rotation arms, including those comparable to talents like Jung Hoo Lee (28, San Francisco Giants) and Ja Wook Koo (33, Samsung Lions), bolster the depth.
Career Milestones and Earnings
Kikuchi debuted with the Seibu Lions in 2010, amassing 158 games with 73 wins, 46 losses, one save, and a 2.77 ERA through 2018 in Japan. Posted to MLB, he inked a potential seven-year, $190 million deal with the Seattle Mariners.
Opting out later, he signed a three-year, $36 million pact with the Toronto Blue Jays. Traded to the Houston Astros on July 2, 2024, he later joined the Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract. Cumulative earnings now exceed $280 million (approximately 3,008 billion won).
Power Pitcher Profile
Even in Japan, Kikuchi reached 99 mph (159 km/h), establishing himself as a premier fireballer. His arsenal includes a slider, splitter, curveball, cutter, changeup, and sinker, blending velocity with movement.
Recent sliders exhibit sharper break, enhancing command alongside his fastball. Kikuchi aims to anchor Japan’s rotation for the first time in a major tournament, prioritizing swing-and-miss potential over raw exit velocity.
While KBO hitters have connected on high-speed offerings, Kikuchi’s blend of power and deception positions him as a standout. Analysts view his peripherals as elite for sustaining dominance against top competition.
