Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Rumors > MLB Free Agent Rumors: Yusei Kikuchi Agrees To Creative Contract With Mariners
Rumors

MLB Free Agent Rumors: Yusei Kikuchi Agrees To Creative Contract With Mariners

Matthew Moreno
January 1, 2019
3 Min Read
Yusei Kikuchi
The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
SHARE

Although it didn’t come with the same fanfare as Shohei Ohtani being posted last winter, the Seibu Lions making Yusei Kikuchi available for all 30 MLB clubs added a wrinkle to free agency this winter.

At 27 years old, the left-handed pitcher was permitted to negotiate a contract with team and didn’t face the same financial restrictions as Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees were mentioned as potential suitors for Kikuchi.

He hired Scott Boras as his representation and was said to have traveled to Los Angeles during the middle of December to hold meetings with interested teams. Then, just before the New Year, it was reported Kikuchi flew to Seattle to meet with the Mariners.

Shortly after came news of an agreement being reached on a four-year contract that could expand to a seven-year deal with the Mariners, per Jon Heyman of Fancred:

Kikuchi has an unusual deal. Has initial 4 year guarantee (3 years plus 2022 player option) but 4th year player option can be replaced by an additional 4 year guarantee for a total of 7 years by the #Mariners

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 1, 2019

Kikuchi: 4 years guaranteed. 14M year aav. Opt out after 3 years at 43M. club can extend to 109M/7. If club doesn’t elect on 4 year extension at 16.5M per player has option for additional year at 13M. #mariners

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 1, 2019

Kikuchi’s contract with the Mariners came one day ahead of his posting window coming to a close. Had he not struck a deal with an MLB team, Kikuchi would’ve remained in Japan with the Lions. Instead he makes the jump stateside after eight seasons pitching overseas; he spent part of 2011 in the Australian Baseball League.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman intimated the club would be interested in Kikuchi if or when he was officially posted. However, it’s unclear how aggressively the Dodgers may have pursued him, if at all.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersSeattle MarinersYusei Kikuchi
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Baylor Bears, 2021 Big 12 Championship game
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Max Muncy Watched Baylor Win 2021 Big 12 Championship Game

December 5, 2021
November 9, 2023
Conner Greene
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Roster: Evan Phillips, Gavin Lux Activated; Andre Jackson & Conner Greene Optioned

August 17, 2021
August 17, 2021
Miguel Rojas, Dodgers workout, Seoul Series
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas Responds To Criticism From Jazz Chisholm Jr.

March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024
Roki Sasaki
Rumors

Roki Sasaki Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays Meeting; San Francisco Giants Eliminated

January 13, 2025
January 13, 2025

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어