Angels' Yusei Kikuchi eager to pitch in WBC, improve on last season

The left-hander, who will pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, faces hitters on the first official day of spring training.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Yusei Kikuchi, the Angels' left-handed pitcher, is eager to pitch for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic and improve on his performance from the 2025 season. Kikuchi, who is 34 years old, has never pitched in the WBC before and is excited to be a part of Team Japan, whose goal is to defend the championship they won in 2023. While Kikuchi is focused on the WBC, his priority is to pitch better for the Angels in 2026 than he did in 2025, when he was an All-Star but struggled with walks and high pitch counts at times.

Why it matters

Kikuchi's performance in the WBC and the upcoming 2026 season will be crucial for the Angels, as they look to build on their success and compete for a playoff spot. Kikuchi's ability to stay healthy and pitch effectively will be a key factor in the team's success.

The details

Kikuchi pitched to hitters during the Angels' first official workout of the spring on Wednesday, reaching that milestone about a week before the other pitchers. He said he was encouraged by how strong he felt, noting that he had never thrown 97 mph in February before. Kikuchi is not expected to continue doing interviews in English, as his previous interpreter has returned to work with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Angels also have several other pitchers in various stages of recovery from injuries, including Ben Joyce, Robert Stephenson, and Nick Sandlin.

  • Yusei Kikuchi pitched to hitters during the Angels' first official workout of the spring on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The World Baseball Classic begins on March 4, 2026.

The players

Yusei Kikuchi

A 34-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who is eager to pitch for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic and improve on his performance from the 2025 season.

Ben Joyce

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who is coming off shoulder surgery and threw his first bullpen session from the front slope of the mound during the team's first official workout.

Robert Stephenson

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who learned over the winter that he had 'some kind of thoracic outlet symptoms' and is expecting to throw off a mound later in the week.

Nick Sandlin

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who is in camp on a minor-league deal and had arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in October, but is expecting to throw his first bullpen session over the weekend.

Perry Minasian

The general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who said the team will be cautious with Ben Joyce's recovery and that they will take their time with players who need it.

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What they’re saying

“I have never thrown 97 (mph) in February before. I'm ready, obviously for the WBC, and the season as well.”

— Yusei Kikuchi (whittierdailynews.com)

“I'm so excited. This is the first time to be part of Team Japan. Our goal is to defend the championship.”

— Yusei Kikuchi (whittierdailynews.com)

“I was never satisfied with my performance last year. It's hard to be the best pitcher in the world, but I want to try to be the healthiest pitcher in the world. I'm going to pitch 32, 33 games. That's my goal.”

— Yusei Kikuchi (whittierdailynews.com)

“Arm feels really good. I'm excited with where we're at.”

— Ben Joyce (whittierdailynews.com)

“I'd rather him miss two weeks than six months. We're going to take our time with guys that need it, and kind of see where it goes. That's why you need so many relievers.”

— Perry Minasian, General Manager, Los Angeles Angels (whittierdailynews.com)

What’s next

Yusei Kikuchi will continue his accelerated spring training schedule as he prepares to pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, which begins on March 4, 2026. The Angels will also closely monitor the progress of their other injured pitchers, such as Ben Joyce, Robert Stephenson, and Nick Sandlin, to determine their availability for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Yusei Kikuchi's eagerness to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic and his determination to improve on his 2025 performance are clear signs of his commitment to the Angels and his desire to be a key contributor to the team's success in the upcoming season. The Angels' focus on player health and caution with their injured pitchers also demonstrates their commitment to building a strong and sustainable roster for the long term.