HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have acquired left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido and infielder Will Wagner.
Kikuchi, 33, has pitched five-plus seasons in the Major Leagues for Seattle (2019-2021) and Toronto (2022-24). In 22 starts for the Blue Jays this season, he was 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 115.2 innings pitched. His 10.12 strikeouts-per-9.0-innings pitched ratio this season ranks tied for 6th in the American League and is the highest of his career. Additionally, his average fastball velocity in 2024 of 95.6 is also the highest of his Major League career.
Bloss was 0-1 in three Major League starts for the Astros this season with a 6.94 ERA (9ER/11.2IP). Loperfido hit .236 (25×106) in 38 games for the Astros this season with two home runs and 16 RBI. Wagner hit .307 (80X261) in 70 games at Triple A Sugar Land with five home runs and 41 RBI.
