According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, prized Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi has agreed to a deal with the Seattle Mariners. This takes another starting pitcher off the market and it looks more and more like the New York Yankees have their starting rotation in place.
Earlier in the offseason, ESNY’s own Josh Benjamin discussed the benefits of pursuing Kikuchi for the Yanks. It’s not clear whether or not the Yankees ever had serious motives to pursue Kikuchi, but once New York signed J.A. Happ, it appeared they were electing to stick with Happ over the incoming Kikuchi.