
The Giants are full of question marks going into the offseason. Who will be the new general manager? Who is on the trading block? Will they go hard after Bryce Harper?
But before the season ends this weekend, the Giants evidently are looking at ways to shore up their starting rotation by going international.
On Friday in Japan, the Giants reportedly were one of several teams to scout Seibu Lions left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, according to Jim Allen of the Kyodo News.
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Kikuchi, 27, is expected to be posted by the Lions this winter. Postings by NPB teams must be done between Nov. 1 and Dec. 5, with a 30-day negotiating window to follow.
The Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Brewers, Phillies and Rangers also were reportedly in attendance.
The Seibu ace is 13-4 this season with a 3.16 ERA, 1.015 WHIP and 8.4 K/9 this season, according to Baseball Reference. His numbers are slightly down from 2017 where he went 16-4 with a 1.97 ERA, 0.911 WHIP and 10.4 K/9. Ever since turning pro at 20 years old, Kikuchi has been dominant with a 2.82 ERA and 1.176 WHIP over 162 appearances.
Despite standing at a modest 6-feet tall and 194 pounds, Kikuchi can reach 98 mph with his fastball and has been applauded for his nasty slider.
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“I’m very pleased with the fact I’m in a position now to be working toward playing in the majors,” Kikuchi said to the Los Angeles Times last December.
The Giants' starting rotation is a mystery next season. Surprising rookie Dereck Rodriguez leads the staff with a 2.50 ERA, ahead of Madison Bumgarner's 3.20. After those two, it's all up in the air. Johnny Cueto is out for the year with Tommy John surgery, Jeff Samardzija made just 10 starts this season and had a 6.25 ERA, and both Andrew Suarez and Chris Stratton are up-and-down unknowns.
This past offseason, the Giants fell short in their pursuit of Japanese star Shohei Ohtani. Perhaps the next person in charge can get the job done with Kikuchi.