When the Astros traded for Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline, most analysts believed Houston was adding to their overall starting pitching depth. Not trading for a difference-maker in the rotation.

Fortunately for the Astros, they saw something that nobody else did. Not only has a change of scenery helped Kikuchi elevate his game, but also the changes he's made to his pitch mix.

You can see in the graphic below that Kikuchi was asked by the Astros to throw less curveballs and fastballs, and throw significantly more sliders. And it's made all the difference in the world.

Photo via: MLB Network/YouTube screenshot.

The Astros certainly deserve credit for knowing how to get the most out of pitchers. And you have to wonder what Blue Jays fans are thinking when they see one of their players leave Toronto and start pitching like a Cy Young candidate over his next ten starts.

Be sure to watch the below below as MLB Network's Chris Young, along with Harold Reynolds and Greg Amsinger, analyzes the adjustments Yusei Kikuchi has made to his pitch usage since joining the Astros, which has resulted in remarkable production.