Kikuchi family shares heartfelt goodbye to Toronto on social media

The Toronto Blue Jays just underwent one of the most consequential periods in recent franchise history. Saddled with a discouraging record and a boatload of players on expiring contracts, they made the baseball decision to cash in that trade bait and replenish the battered farm system. Who knows if the trades will work and fans actually end up praising embattled general manager Ross Atkins for the players he acquired. What is undeniable, however, is that each of these maneuvers came at a personal and human cost.

Yusei Kikuchi's family probably felt that human impact more than anyone else traded over the last few days. It had become clear during his time with the Blue Jays that the southpaw really embraced living in Toronto. Who could ever forget that infamous sushi party he held on the night the Blue Jays almost acquired Shohei Ohtani. Or that time he spoke to the Toronto Sun about why he was so excited to plant his flag firmly on Canadian soil. Now, days after a trade that sends him to Houston, an Instagram post signed by "the Kikuchi family" describes "how we have to accept reality. This is one of the most difficult aspects of baseball."

It's a great point and one that many onlookers don't fully realize. Most people think these players get paid millions to play a "kid's game." Only partially true. In fact, player lives are upended and guys have to scramble to adjust their living situation in such a short period of time. The social media post went on to discuss how their son Leo had met so many great teachers and friends at his Montessouri School in Toronto. Who knows if Leo will make those same friends in Houston. It underscores the real life situations that inevitably occur when a player is traded.

Something else from the post that was intriguing is how the Kikuchi family thanked the "Blue Jays players, wives, coaches and staff members who supported us and was always by our side." That sentiment dovetails with the solid reputation the Blue Jays have gained for how they treat families and support staff. It brings to mind a quote from former Blue Jay Justin Turner about the solid treatment of player families by the organization, something the Kikuchi family has personally felt. Turner remarked to the Foul Territory podcast that "the way they treat their players and the families here is off the charts. The facilities are insane. They put a lot of money into making us comfortable. The city is amazing."

The Kikuchi post mentioned how, "we would like to say thank you to the fans who supported us through the highs and lows." That's a great compliment to Toronto fans and one that some MLB cities may not be able to lay claim to. Do you think Yankee fans treated Joey Gallo's family nicely if they encountered each other in a supermarket during his tenure in New York? It serves to underscore how fans should always remember to treat players with respect and appreciation, regardless of their level of performance on the field.

Turning away from the personal end, Kikuchi's tenure in Toronto was somewhat volatile after he signed a three-year, $36 million contract. His 2023 season will stand above all the others. On the other hand, the first and third years don't look so pretty when viewed under a microscope. He sandwiched a sensational 2023 season (3.86 ERA) with a downbeat season in 2024 and an abysmal introduction to the Rogers Centre faithful in 2022. At the trade deadline, Toronto turned the inconsistent Kikuchi into two MLB-ready pieces in Joey Loperfido and Jake Bloss. Also coming north of the border is Will Wagner, Houston's 13th-ranked prospect. All three should see time in Toronto this season as Loperfido and Bloss have already made waves at the major league level. What a haul by the maligned Jays front office!

Truthfully, there is nothing stopping either Kikuchi or the Blue Jays from getting back together next season. Especially if the team still feels like it can compete in 2025. A sense of mutual respect has clearly built up between the sides. It can be addition by subtraction given the players Toronto acquired in the trade and the fact that Houston only controls him for the remainder of the season. If nothing else, Kikuchi's words about the organization serve as a powerful selling point in future negotiations with free agents. Any little advantage over another club will be appreciated by Jays management as they attempt to put this organization on the right path.