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2d ago

Kenta Maeda Returns to NPB, Signs Two-Year Deal With Rakuten Eagles

The 37-year-old right-hander frames the move as a last stop with a personal goal of 200 career wins.

NAGOYA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 14: Pitcher Kenta Maeda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives with coaches as he is introduced prior to the game five between Japan and MLB All Stars at Nagoya Dome on November 14, 2018 in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Rakuten introduced Maeda in Sendai on Tuesday after he signed a two-year contract, and he will wear No. 18.
  • The return marks his first NPB season since 2015, and he said he is excited to pitch in Japan again.
  • Maeda said he chose the Eagles thinking this would be his last team.
  • The Eagles plan to use him as a starter, and Maeda said late-season progress restored his confidence after spending much of the year in the minors.
  • He accepted No. 18 despite its strong association with Masahiro Tanaka and set a target of 200 career wins, having 165 across Japan and MLB.