The Mariners have finalized a four-year deal with Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, the team announced Wednesday.
Mutliple reports earlier this week said the sides had agreed to a three-year deal worth $43 million with a team option for four more years at $66 million. Kikuchi could exercise a one-year, $13 million player option for 2022 if the team doesn't pick up the additional four years.
GM Jerry Dipoto on the signing of the highly-touted Japanese starter. pic.twitter.com/lb7pjFr8wB
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 2, 2019
The 27-year-old Kikuchi has rare tools, with a fastball that can reach 98 mph and consistently clocks in the 93 mph range, along with a good slider. He posted a 74-48 record with a 2.81 ERA in eight seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball organization.
Kikuchi had also been tied to several other West Coast clubs in recent weeks. Fancred's Jon Heyman reported Monday other teams "are still involved" in discussions with Kikuchi.
Under new MLB rules, Kikuchi's former club, the Seibu Lions, will receive a percentage of Kikuchi's new contract, which would be sizable.