The Los Angeles Dodgers are tied at two games apiece with the San Diego Padres as Game 5 of the National League Division Series looms.
One more win will get them to the NLCS. A loss will send them home.
But regardless of how Friday's game plays out, the Dodgers could be in the market for some rotation help this coming winter. Jack Flaherty is a free agent, and there is no guarantee he will re-sign with the team.
However, the team has already been linked to a key starter from the Houston Astros, left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed Los Angeles as a fit.
"Yusei Kikuchi would not have been on this list two months ago, but leave it to the Astros to get their hooks in a guy and infuse him with ample nastiness," Rymer wrote. "Kikuchi got a three-year, $36 million deal the last time he was a free agent during the 2021-22 offseason. A similar deal may be in order this time around, though it'll likely have a higher average annual value."
Kikuchi struggled with the Toronto Blue Jays before the Astros picked him up at the trade deadline. During the regular season, he went 9-10 in 32 starts and posted a 4.05 ERA over 175 2/3 innings of work while also striking out 206 batters and posting a 1.20 WHIP.
His strikeout total is part of what makes him an attractive option. And assuming the Dodgers can't keep Flaherty around, Kikuchi made be their next best option.
He was one of the most reliable starters in the Majors after being picked up by the Astros. The Dodgers also have the financial resources to make a deal happen.
We'll see if they decide to pursue the veteran left-hander this winter.
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