7 years agoMany within baseball believe that Saitama Seibu Lions left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi of the Japanese League will be available through the posting system this offseason. MLB scouts think Kikuchi has the upside to be a No. 2 starter in the major leagues thanks to a fastball that averages between 92 and 94 mph. He could also choose to stay in Japan for the 2019 season if the Lions win the Japan Series. The 27-year-old was on the disabled list this year with shoulder stiffness but has bounced back recently. His peripherals have declined a bit in the past year, but he'll still be quite attractive to MLB teams if he becomes available. While Kikuchi won't come with the hype that two-way star Shohei Ohtani did last offseason, the left-hander will be one to watch.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com - Jon Paul Morosi