Yusei Kikuchi has been experimenting with a starter-to-reliever move recently. Focused one-inning outings lifted his velocity by 1-2 mph.
Post-move, his K/9 sits above 11 — a sharp improvement from the 8s he posted as a starter.
Left-handed relievers are in strong demand in MLB, and a role change directly improves his market value.
The open question is whether he commits fully to the bullpen or lands as a swingman.