Bleacher Report · Jan 1, 2019
Report: Japanese Star Yusei Kikuchi Agrees to Contract with Mariners
Japanese pitching sensation Yusei Kikuchi is coming to Major League Baseball after reportedly agreeing to a deal with the Seattle Mariners, according to Fancred's Jon Heyman.
The 27-year-old spent his entire career with the Seibu Lions of the Pacific League prior to coming to terms with Seattle. The left-hander had a 2.81 ERA with 925 strikeouts, 1.177 WHIP and 838 hits allowed over 1,035.1 innings in 163 appearances since 2011.
The Lions posted Kikuchi for MLB teams to make a bid on Dec. 3. He figured to generate significant interest because of his age, high level of performance in Japan's premier baseball league and a strong scouting report.