The market is now open for MLB free agents. The Dodgers are among multiple teams connected to Houston Astros southpaw starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

In addition to the Dodgers, Passan linked the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays. However, the Astros have also expressed interest in keeping the 2021 American League All-Star.

Kikuchi started his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners in 2019. Then, he signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Blue Jays as a free agent in 2022. He played two and a half seasons with Toronto before the franchise traded him to Houston at the trade deadline. He made 10 starts with the Astros. Across 60 innings, he held a 5-1 record while logging a 2.70 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 14 walks.  

Adding Kikuchi to the Dodgers roster would add a third Japanese-born pitcher into the rotation, alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani. Kikuchi hails from Morioka, Japan, which is just an hour away from Ohtani’s hometown, Oshu.

Los Angeles could potentially even be the home for a fourth Japanese-born starter in Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers’ fame in Japan from having Yamamoto and Ohtani may have an influence on Sasaki’s decision.

Regardless of which free agents the Dodgers land, Los Angeles will have seven returning starting pitchers. Yamamoto, Ohtani, Landon Knack, Tyler Glasnow, Emmett Sheehan, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin will remain with the Dodgers next season. However, Ohtani’s return to the mound may be delayed as he recovers from surgery on a torn labrum.