During the Blue Jays’ doubleheader against the Orioles on Monday night, it was announced that Toronto had dealt pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros. At first, it was said that top pitching prospect Jake Bloss was included in the return package, which seemed like a decent enough return. Bloss was replaced by Taylor Scott after being scratched from his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Paul Skenes at Minute Maid Park. However, it was then confirmed that Bloss would be traveling north with Will Wagner and Joey Loperfido as well.
The Blue Jays are getting a great return in Kikuchi, which is possibly their best deal to date. Bloss was about to move up to the Astros’ No. 2 prospect ranking (MLB Pipeline had him ranked No. 9 overall). Bloss was chosen in the third round of the MLB draft the previous year and began his season in High-A. On June 21, he made his Major League debut after pitching to a terrific 1.64 ERA in 66 innings with 63 strikeouts in the minor levels. Since then, in 11.2 innings pitched, he has a 6.94 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. That being said, there’s no need to give up.
He can throw a fastball (averaging 93–95 mph), slider, curveball (78 mph), sweeper, changeup, and sinker, according to Baseball Savant. With Kikuchi out of the picture and his experience following his debut, he might soon find himself in the back end of the rotation. Bloss has a lot of potential and may need the remainder of 2024 to establish himself in the major leagues.
In the previous month’s update, Joey Loperfido was Houston’s fifth-ranked prospect; he debuted in Major League Baseball on April 30. In 38 games, the 25-year-old outfielder has a.657 OPS, two home runs, and 16 RBI. Although he has played center and right field, his primary position has been left field. He could perhaps play more designated hit (DH), but he will fit well in with Toronto’s outfield rotation of Daulton Varsho, Addison Barger, and George Springer. The Blue Jays can also add Loperfido, a lefty bat, to the bottom of their lineup.
All things considered, Kikuchi, who is a rental and has the eighth-worst ERA (4.75) among MLB qualifying starters, is getting a great return. Alongside Ronel Blanco, who has a 3.92 ERA in his last seven games, he will be positioned towards the rear of the Astros rotation. Kikuchi had a 21–22 record and a 4.60 ERA when his time with the Blue Jays comes to an end. Although Houston is currently leading the AL West and has gained pitching support, Toronto has gained a great deal from this transaction as they continue to bolster their farm system in anticipation of life after 2024.
