As sample size grows, Blue Jays' Yusei Kikuchi trade looks much less lopsided

When the Toronto Blue Jays dealt Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline, they were lauded for fleecing the Houston Astros out of an impressive prospect package. The Astros were panned for giving up so much for a starter with a 4.75 ERA, but they were desperate for pitching and had a plan.

Kikuchi made a strong first impression in Houston. It looked like the Astros had fixed something with the left-hander, but there were questions about whether it would last. Any Kikuchi observer, whether supporter or detractor, has to admit he was streaky in Toronto.

As it turns out, Kikuchi has flourished in Houston, making the trade seem less lopsided than first thought.

As sample size grows, Blue Jays' Yusei Kikuchi trade looks much less lopsided

Kikuchi has not only continued to impress but is also playing a huge role in helping the AL West-leading Astros' rotation regain elite status, per MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan, in a march toward yet another postseason.

In seven starts since the trade, the 33-year-old is 4-0 with a 3.07 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP and 11.63 K/9. It's no coincidence either — the Astros have him throwing his slider way more than he even thought about while with the Blue Jays.

His arrival coincided with the Astros turning their fortunes around on the mound, as far as starting pitchers go. Up until the July 30 trade deadline, the Astros' rotation ranked 22nd, one spot behind the Jays, with a combined 5.7 fWAR. Their 4.23 ERA ranked 18th, one spot ahead of the Jays. That's how rough things were in the Lone Star State.

Since July 31, the Astros' rotation has dominated with a top-ranked 5.1 fWAR and 3.16 ERA.

It's still true that Kikuchi is still a rental, so his value to the Astros after their upcoming postseason run is zilch, and the Blue Jays will benefit from (hopefully) years of contributions from right-hander Jake Bloss (Pipeline's No. 3 Toronto prospect), Will Wagner (No. 19) and Joey Loperfido.

Bloss has yet to make his MLB debut, while Wagner and Loperfido have been getting playing time in the big leagues with an eye toward next season. Wagner looks like a legitimate MLB hitter, batting .312/.346/.468 in a small 81-plate appearance sample size. Loperfido appears to be a piece of the future but with a .224/.259/.393 slash line and a 33 percent strikeout rate in 32 games in Toronto, there's no telling how he'll actually pan out.

There's no telling how any of the pieces the Blue Jays got in the trade will turn out down the road, but with Kikuchi, the Astros look like they have another arm for the playoffs. You might even call the trade a win-win at this point.