MLB free agency is once again heating up now that a new CBA is in place. Here is the latest on free agent left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi...
March 12, 1:58 p.m.
Kikuchi and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a three-year deal with $36 million, per MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
The Blue Jays lost lefty and defending Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray to the Seattle Mariners pre-lockout, where Kikuchi just spent his first three MLB seasons, but they just improved on what already might have been the best rotation in the AL East - which of course hurts the Yankees even more.
Toronto traded for Jose Berrios and extended him to a seven-year deal back in November. They also signed Kevin Gausman to a five-year, $110 million deal on Dec. 1 after he finished in sixth place in the NL Cy Young Award vote.
With Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) and Carlos Rodon (Giants) off the board as well, both New York teams will have to pivot to other options, likely via the trade market.
March 11, 7:20 p.m.
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the market for Kikuchi is picking up, and the Mets are currently not the most aggressive team in pursuit of the left-hander.
Kikuchi has a career 4.97 ERA in his three seasons with the Mariners, but he did earn an All-Star nod last season, posting a 4.41 ERA and 1.318 WHIP. Both the Mets and Yankees could be looking at a player like Kikuchi to be a depth starter.