History of Yusei Kikuchi in Timeline

"Yusei Kikuchi is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Houston Astros. He has previously played for MLB teams such as the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays. Before joining the MLB, he was part of the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league."

June 17, 1991: Birth

Yusei Kikuchi was born on June 17, 1991.

October 2009: Considers Bypassing NPB Draft

In October 2009, while attending Hanamaki Higashi High School, Yusei Kikuchi contemplated bypassing the amateur draft in Japan to sign with an MLB team, drawing interest from multiple MLB and NPB teams.

October 29, 2009: Enters Japanese Baseball Draft

On October 29, 2009, Yusei Kikuchi officially entered the Japanese baseball draft, opening the door for professional teams to vie for his talents.

November 20, 2009: Signs with Saitama Seibu Lions

On November 20, 2009, Yusei Kikuchi signed a professional contract with the Saitama Seibu Lions of the NPB.

2011: Joins Melbourne Aces

Following the 2011 season, Yusei Kikuchi joined the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League.

2016: Marriage

Yusei Kikuchi married Rumi Fukatsu in 2016.

December 3, 2018: Enters MLB Posting System

On December 3, 2018, the Saitama Seibu Lions announced that Yusei Kikuchi would be allowed to enter the posting system, making him eligible to sign with an MLB team.

2018: Selected for NPB All-Star Game

In 2018, Yusei Kikuchi was selected to participate in the NPB All-Star game.

January 2, 2019: Signs with Seattle Mariners

Yusei Kikuchi signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Mariners on January 2, 2019.

March 21, 2019: MLB Debut

On March 21, 2019, Yusei Kikuchi made his MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners, becoming the first Japanese-born player to debut in Japan.

2020: Improved Performance with Seattle

In 2020, Yusei Kikuchi showed improvement in his pitching performance for the Seattle Mariners, recording a lower ERA and an increased strikeout percentage.

2021: Selected for MLB All-Star Game

Yusei Kikuchi was chosen to represent the American League in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.

March 14, 2022: Signs with Toronto Blue Jays

On March 14, 2022, Yusei Kikuchi joined the Toronto Blue Jays after signing a three-year contract worth $36 million.

September 30, 2022: First MLB Save

Yusei Kikuchi achieved his first MLB save on September 30, 2022, a day after the Toronto Blue Jays secured a spot in the postseason.

July 29, 2024: Traded to Houston Astros

On July 29, 2024, the Toronto Blue Jays traded Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros in exchange for Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido, and Will Wagner.