The Angels made waves last offseason when they signed pitching/hitting phenom Shohei Otani. Another Japanese pitcher, Yusei Kikuchi, is prepared to come over to MLB this offseason. He could be wearing a Phillies jersey when the 2019 season starts.
Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported Tuesday night that Philadelphia is expected to pursue Kikuchi once he is posted by his Japanese club, the Seibu Lions. The 27-year-old will then be able to sign with whatever team he wants. Kikuchi is represented by Scott Boras, who the club is already very familiar with and will talk to a lot this offseason.