Jul 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) pitches to the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports The Houston Astros are acquiring left-hander Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays, multiple media outlets reported Monday night.
Toronto reportedly will receive right-hander Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido and minor league infielder Will Wagner.
Bloss was scratched from his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday before news of the trade broke. Fellow right-hander Tayler Scott got the nod instead.
Kikuchi, 33, went 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA across 22 starts with the Blue Jays this season.
In six major league seasons with the Seattle Mariners (2019-21) and Toronto (2022-24), Kikuchi has gone 36-46 with a 4.72 ERA in 156 appearances (144 starts).
Bloss, 23, was Houston’s No. 9 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He is in his rookie season and was 0-1 with a 6.94 ERA in three starts for the Astros, one in June and two in July.
Loperfido, a 25-year-old rookie, hit .236 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 38 games for Houston this season.
Wagner, 26, has spent this year with Triple-A Sugar Land, where he compiled a .307 batting average to go along with five homers and 41 RBIs in 70 games. He is the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner.
–Field Level Media
