The Seattle Mariners have agreed to a 3 year $43 million deal with Japanese star pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to ring in 2019. The deal also includes a 4th year option that could earn Kikuchi an extra $23 million. This is a team option. Kikuchi is guaranteed $56 million. He previously pitched for the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan. Kikuchi, who is 27, was one of the premier free agents this off season and was linked to Seattle prior to signing, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto said that Kikuchi was "Very good, his performance speaks for itself." There is a history of players from Japan who have failed in the MLB however, but the Mariners are hoping that Kikuchi doesn't follow that story line. Kikuchi regressed last year due to shoulder issues, but still put up a 3.08 ERA in 162 2/3 inning pitched.
Kikuchi in a game last year
The Mariners open 2019 against the Oakland Athletics in the Tokyo Dome, so Kikuchi could make his MLB debut in his hometown.
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