Ich eröffne den Thread 2019 mal mit einer Meldung der Mariners. Nein, ausnahmsweise kein Trade sondern eine Neuverpflichtung. 
Die Mariners haben Yusei Kikuchi (LHP) unter Vertrag genommen. Ehrlich gesagt kann ich bisher kaum bis gar nichts zu den Jungen sagen außer das sein Curveball ganz ordentlich aussieht und er nach einem Strikeout ziemlich rumhampelt. Das wird nicht jeden Batter gefallen. 
The deal as reported by MLB Network insider Jon Heyman is an interesting one with Kikuchi getting three years guaranteed totaling $43 million and a player option for a fourth year at $13 million. The twist? The Mariners would have the option to replace the fourth year with an additional four-year, $66 million extension. Should the Mariners opt to extend, the final contract would be worth $109 million. A creative approach perhaps with Scott Boras rumored to be looking for a deal in the seven-year, $140 million range.
An eight-year NPB veteran with the Saitama Seibu Lions, Kikuchi a 2.81 career ERA. His best season was in 2017, going 16-6 with a 1.97 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 4.43 strikeouts to walk ration over a career-high 26 starts and 187 2/3 innings. In 2018, he finished 14-4 with a 3.08 ERA over 23 starts (162 2/3 innings). His fastball is said to sit between 92 and 94 mph, and he also features a curveball, slider and splitter that all rate average or better.
A three-time NPB All-Star, the 6-foot, 194-pound Kikuchi registered 879 strikeouts to just 363 walks over his career with the Lions.
