Blue Jays Acquire Utility Man Chavis in Return
The Toronto Blue Jays have traded left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder/outfielder Cavan Biggio, it was announced today.
Kikuchi’s Struggles in Toronto
Kikuchi, 31, signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2022 season. However, he struggled mightily in his time in Toronto, posting a 5.16 ERA in 29 starts last year.
This season, Kikuchi’s struggles continued, as he went 0-4 with a 6.46 ERA in six starts. He was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on May 13th.
Biggio’s Versatility
In return for Kikuchi, the Blue Jays acquired Biggio, a 27-year-old infielder/outfielder who has played all over the diamond during his career.
Biggio is a career .232 hitter with 35 home runs and 163 RBIs in 498 games. He provides the Blue Jays with a versatile option who can play multiple positions, including first base, second base, third base, and the outfield.
The Blue Jays are hoping that Biggio can provide them with some stability and versatility off the bench. He is a contact hitter who can also run and play solid defense.
With Kikuchi struggling, the Blue Jays were in need of a more reliable option in their starting rotation. They are hoping that Biggio can be a valuable asset to their team moving forward.
The Astros are taking a chance on Kikuchi, hoping that he can regain the form that made him one of the most sought-after free agents on the market last year.
If Kikuchi can return to his previous form, he could be a valuable addition to the Astros’ rotation. He has a good fastball and a sharp slider, and he could be a solid mid-rotation starter.
The Astros are also hoping that Kikuchi can provide them with some left-handed depth in their bullpen. He has experience as a starter and a reliever, so he could be used in a variety of roles.
Overall, the trade is a low-risk, high-reward move for both teams. The Blue Jays get a versatile player in Biggio, while the Astros get a potential ace in Kikuchi.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
