SEATTLE — Yusei Kikuchi smiled wide for the cameras, pointing to the back of his No. 18 jersey — a celebrated number for Japanese pitchers. In the city where one of his childhood idols, Ichiro Suzuki, became a major league star, Kikuchi is eager to prove he belongs in America, too.

“Thank you for this new journey,” Kikuchi said.

The prized Japanese left-hander was introduced as the newest member of the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, a day after signing a four-year deal with options that could make it a seven-year stay in the Pacific Northwest. The 27-year-old Kikuchi spent more than 40 minutes answering questions about why he wanted to come to the majors and why he chose Seattle.

Kikuchi answered the vast majority of the questions from English-speaking reporters in English. His answers were brief, but it was a sign of how long he’s wanted to play in the majors. The dream started when he was 15, and Kikuchi knew if he was going to realize it, English would be an asset.

A fastball ticking into the mid-90s helps, too.

“I want to practice hard and adjust myself. I want to enjoy every single thing,” Kikuchi said.

Kikuchi also has an array of offspeed pitchers, part of his resume as one of the top young pitchers in Japan. Kikuchi was posted by the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions on Dec. 4. Under the rules in the November 2017 posting agreement, he had until Wednesday afternoon Seattle time to sign with a major league team.

Seattle is planning to limit Kikuchi’s innings while keeping him on the regular rotation of starting every fifth or sixth day. To make that happen, general manager Jerry Dipoto said there may be times Kikuchi goes through his normal routine but only throws one or two innings.

The Mariners might use that plan for a few of their young pitchers over the next few seasons. Kikuchi and agent Scott Boras are on board.

“I really felt with a player of this ability that we had the opportunity to restructure a new format to how we’re going to acclimate them to this environment,” Boras said.

Angels finalize deal with catcher Lucroy

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Catcher Jonathan Lucroy would earn $4,525,000 under his deal with the Los Angeles Angels if he makes 135 starts behind the plate and has 525 plate appearances.

Lucroy gets a $3.35 million salary under the deal announced Thursday and can earn $600,000 for starts at catcher and $575,000 for plate appearances.

He would get $50,000 for 100 starts at catcher, $75,000 each for 105 and each additional five though 130 and $100,000 for 135. He also would get $50,000 each for 350 and 375 plate appearances, $75,000 apiece for 400 and each additional 25 through 500, and $100,000 for 525.

A two-time All-Star, the 32-year-old Lucroy batted .241 with four homers, 51 RBIs and a .617 OPS in 126 games last year during his only season with the Oakland Athletics. Though he struggled at the plate, he received praise for his management of the A’s pitching staff.

Lucroy is taking a cut from is $6.5 million salary last year.

Before signing Lucroy, the Angels did not have an accomplished major league catcher on their 40-man roster. Jose Briceno made his debut last season, and the team claimed Seneca Valley graduate Kevan Smith off waivers from the Chicago White Sox two months ago.

The Angels will be Lucroy’s fifth team in four seasons. He played his first 5½ seasons with Milwaukee.