Ex-MLB GM has LA Angels among best fits for 5 colossal free agent pitching names

2 of 5

Sep 18, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (18) may be on his way to the LA Angels this offseason. / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 colossal free agent pitching name Jim Bowden has LA Angels among best fits for: Yusei Kikuchi

Yusei Kikuchi had a great start to his season, but fell off and that's why I don't want him on the LA Angels. Bowden, however, sees him as a fit due to having good 'stuff' and being durable throughout his career.

He did point out, however, that he posted a 7.70 ERA in his last eight starts. Bowden did suggest that this was due to fatigue over him taking on a stronger innings load than he did in the past. I just don't buy that because every pitcher dealt with an innings increase from 2020 to 2021.

Also, he pitched even more innings in his other full-schedule season in 2019, throwing 161.2 innings that year. He hit 157 this season, which would have led this team by a long shot. I still don't like his end of season slump, where he allowed a .310 batting average and .927 OPS.

Kikuchi posted a 4.61 FIP this year and is a 4.97 career-ERA pitcher. I'll pass.

If he comes here, he'll at least know how to pitch against this division. There's not too much else to be excited about.

Home/LA Angels News