RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 14% of leagues
ANALYSIS: The Seattle Mariners signed Yusei Kikuchi prior to the 2019 season and his debut year was a disappointment, ending with a 6-11 record and a 5.46 ERA in 161.2 IP. You may be forgiven for thinking this year is going to be similar with a 5.28 ERA in Kikuchi's three starts so far. However, if we take a closer look at his numbers, there are positive signs and enough to make Kikuchi worthy of adding to your roster in at least 12-team leagues.
Kikuchi's ERA is down to bad luck. He has a 3.43 SIERA, 2.08 FIP and 2.79 xFIP so by whatever metric you look, his ERA should be considerably lower than it is. Interestingly, Kikuchi's fastball velocity has increased from an average of 92.5 MPH in 2019 to 95.1 MPH this year (according to Statcast). He's also yet to throw his curveball in 2020 which is a wise move considering it was hit to the tune of a .623 slugging percentage last year (a pitch he threw 15.4% of the time in 2019). Kikuchi's strikeout rate has also jumped this year, up to 25.8% from 16.1% K% so while your league mates are keeping away from picking up the Mariners starter, you should be adding him to your roster and wait for his ERA to normalize while enjoying the newfound strikeouts he's bringing to his profile.
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