Report: Kenta Maeda could be next $100 million import from Japan
By Phil Watson
Kenta Maeda of the Hiroshima Carp could be Japan’s next big-ticket export to Major League Baseball.
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Last winter, Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka struck it rich with a $155 million contract from the New York Yankees.
According to a report, right-hander Kenta Maeda could be the next nine-figure import from Japanese baseball.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported that Maeda, who pitches for the Hiroshima Carp of the Japan Central League, could command more than $100 million when he is posted by the Carp to MLB.
Maeda, 26, has said he prefers to play for the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox and both would likely be in on the bidding if/when Maeda is posted.
He is 11-8 with a 2.56 ERA and 1.084 WHIP in 26 starts and 179 innings this season, with 154 strikeouts.
Two seasons ago, Maeda had a 1.53 ERA and 0.994 WHIP for Hiroshima in 29 starts covering 206.1 innings, striking out 171. He was 14-7 on the year.
In seven seasons for the Carp, Maeda is 82-58 with a 2.43 ERA and 1.051 WHIP in 188 appearances, all but one of them as a starter, and 1,295.1 innings.
Ben Badler of Baseball America didn’t have a report from an international scouting director last year that would seem to translate to a mega contract.
"“He could be a fourth starter at the big league level. I really like his command and he has a good slider. He doesn’t have much plane, he really has to hit his spots, but he has good stuff. It’s not overpowering stuff, but he’ll keep you in games.”"
Maeda is listed at 6-feet and 154 pounds, so no, not overpowering at all.