Yusei Kikuchi formally introduced as member of the Blue Jays

Yusei Kikuchi was considering signing with the Blue Jays when he received a video from Toronto general manager Ross Atkins.

The clip featured Atkins, members of the club's staff, and messages from several of Kikuchi's potential new teammates, showing him around the Blue Jays' facilities and welcoming him to the team. Kikuchi said the passion and professionalism of the video helped him sign on the dotted line.

Kikuchi was formally introduced by the Blue Jays on Tuesday in a news conference with Atkins at the club's player development centre in Dunedin, Fla. Atkins wasn't surprised that the video struck a chord with the pitcher, who he described as a good player but a better person.

"He will fit in exceptionally well with our clubhouse. That is exceptionally important to us and something that we're always making sure that it is a good fit," said Atkins. "The talent, it speaks for itself. The weapons are elite.

"I'm very excited about what he's already accomplished in his career and I feel like the future is very, very bright for Yusei."

The 31-year-old left-handed Kikuchi is expected to be the fifth starter in Toronto's rotation. He had a 7-9 record for the Seattle Mariners last season, striking out 163 over 157 innings pitched with a 4.41 earned-run average.

After a strong start to 2021 Kikuchi struggled in the final two months of the season, with a 1-3 record in 10 starts and a 5.48 ERA. September was particularly troublesome, with a 0-2 record and a 7.82 ERA over four starts.

"I have a good idea on why things didn't go the way I wanted to in the second half," said Kikuchi, adding that he made some minute adjustments to his mechanics. "And so this past four months in the off-season, I worked hard every day in order to