Even though it was an exhibition game, it was surprising how completely different it was. Will Yusei Kikuchi (32, Toronto Blue Jays) finally pay the ransom of 36 million dollars (approximately 47.4 billion won)?
Kikuchi started the 2023 major league away demonstration game against the Philadelphia Phillies held at Bay Care Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, USA on the 13th (hereinafter Korean time), and became the winning pitcher with 4 hits, 4 strikeouts and 3 walks in 2⅔ innings. First win in an exhibition match.
Kikuchi signed a three-year, $36 million contract with Toronto in the 2021-2022 free agent market. However, he suffered the humiliation of being eliminated from the starting lineup during the season amid extreme sluggishness and ups and downs. 6 wins, 7 losses, 1 save in 32 games, ERA 5.19. It was an activity that did not deserve the ransom at all. 메이저놀이터
Such Kikuchi has changed dramatically this year. Even though it is an exhibition game, it is a complete turnaround. In 4 games, including this day, 9⅔ innings, 5 hits, 13 strikeouts, 6 walks, no runs. Still, the ups and downs of the jegu have not completely disappeared. However, the consistency of the pitching is clear.
In the second inning, he threw a slider to Jake Cave for a right-handed hit, and used a changeup to Weston Wilson for an infield hit to shortstop. Here, after changing up Brandon Marsh and setting a strike count with a slider, he struck out looking with a 95 mph four-seam.