Seattle Mariners: I say Emerging Ace, What do Yusei?
It’s been a while since the Seattle Mariners had a quality ace of their rotation. Yusei Kikuchi is developing into that kind of pitcher.
The Seattle Mariners have long needed a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher since Felix Hernandez. Might they have one in their rotation already? I say the emerging staff ace is Yusei Kikuchi.
Don’t take this as disrespect to opening day starter Marco Gonzales. Marco is a very good pitcher and most deserving of being the opening day starter. However, he is not a top-of-the-rotation front-line starter. What do Yusei?
Kikuchi did not have a productive MLB rookie year in 2019. He started 32 games, pitching 161.2 innings, with a 6-11 record, 5.46 ERA, 116 strikeouts, and 50 walks. It wasn’t the first impression he wanted to make or what Mariners fans wanted to see.
In 2020 he showed improvement. Kikuchi made nine starts in the pandemic shortened season. He was 2-4, with a 5.17 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 47 innings. A better year, no doubt. However, still not what many were wanting.
Analytics Analyzing
So far, 2021 is his best year yet. But, just like when purchasing a car, you need to do a thorough inspection. Let’s look “under the hood” of Kickuchi’s time in Seattle. This year, the opposition is batting .208 against him, with a .279 OBP, .661 OPS, and .240 BABIP. All the lowest they’ve been in his career in the MLB.
Looking at more advanced analytics and there is even more to like. Kikuchi’s fastball velocity is up a little, with his offspeed velocity the same, but his breaking ball velocity is down slightly. Kikuchi’s 4.32 ERA is a little bit high. However, his 1.10 WHIP validates that he’s pitching better this year as well.
Additionally, his strikeout percentage is up, and his walk percentage is down. He’s throwing more first-pitch strikes, resulting in more first-pitch swings while also getting the hitters to chase pitches more out of the zone. When batters are making contact, they are hitting the ball hard. The problem for the batters is that they’re struggling to hit Kikuchi.
Just looking at Kikuchi’s performances this year and you can see that he is on the precipice of a breakout. He’s made eight starts this year, with seven of them going six innings or more. Kikuchi also allowed three runs or less in six of his outings, which are quality starts. That’s even better considering he squared off with five potent offenses. But only Boston and the first time facing Houston lit up Kikuchi. However, like Felix Hernandez, Kikuchi receives little run support.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqQ58ELxgN8
So, what do Yusei about Yusei leading the Seattle Mariners’ rotation? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.