Baseball: Maeda’s return to Japan sparks excitement as he vows to elevate the Eagles
SENDAI — Veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Nippon Professional Baseball with the Rakuten Eagles, officially introduced at a press conference on Tuesday at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, the Eagles’ home stadium.
The 37-year-old spent the bulk of his early career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 2007 to 2015 before heading overseas to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers over the past decade. During his time in the United States, he posted three seasons with double-digit wins.
“Right now, the dominant feeling is excitement. I chose this team with the belief that this could be my final chapter,” Maeda said.
Though last season largely found him in the minor leagues, Maeda noted he finished the year with growing confidence.
“The Eagles also recognized that. The key for me was being seen as a starter, which made me happy,” he added.
Maeda’s pitching record in Japan includes a 97-67 mark with a 2.39 ERA over 218 NPB appearances for the Carp. In MLB, he went 68-56 with six saves and a 4.20 ERA across 226 games.
“I learned that the world is bigger in MLB. There were many players stronger than me, and I had to adapt, challenge myself, and improve every year to stay in the game. I rose to new heights as both a person and a baseball player.”
At Rakuten, Maeda will wear his familiar No. 18, a number previously worn by another 37-year-old former major leaguer.
“I wondered about the legacy of Masahiro Tanaka, who wore No. 18 with the Eagles and now plays for the Yomiuri Giants,” Maeda said, referencing the former Yankee. “I’m committed to proving myself and earning as much recognition as possible.”
Maeda is 35 wins shy of reaching 200 career victories across Japan and the United States, a benchmark he still aims to reach.
“I’m not there yet, but that target continues to motivate me,” he said.
