HOUSTON – The Astros have acquired left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi, sending right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido and infielder Will Wagner to the Toronto Blue Jays, multiple sources with knowledge of the deal told KPRC 2 Sports.
The Astros later announced the deal officially.
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Yusei Kikuchi has a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts this season. Kikuchi has thrown 115.2 innings this season with 130 strikeouts this season and has thrown at least 155 innings in three different major league seasons. Kikuchi will help fill an innings gap in the Astros’ banged up starting rotation. Houston is missing Justin Verlander, Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers, Jr., Luis Garcia and J.P. France in the starting rotation.
Bloss is ranked as the #9 prospect in the Astros system according to the beginning of the year MLB Pipeline Rankings. Bloss was a fast riser, and made his MLB debut only a year after being drafted in 2023 out of Georgetown.
Loperfido recently graduated the prospect rankings after an early season call-up. Loperfido is hitting .236 with 2 home runs on the season.
Will Wagner, the son of Astros legend Billy Wagner had a .307 batting average in the minor leagues this season and profiles as a high contact hitter with defensive versatility.