Report: D-backs interested in Japanese P Kenta Maeda
Nov 11, 2015, 11:17 AM | Updated: Nov 12, 2015, 9:39 am
Japan's starter Kenta Maeda goes back to the dugout after inducing Major League All-Stars' Robinson Cano, left, to ground out to him in the third inning of Game One of their baseball exhibition game in Osaka, western Japan, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014. Maeda pitched five scoreless innings to help Japan beat the MLB All-Stars 2-0. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, CREDIT MANDATORY
(AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Two years ago the Diamondbacks came up short in their pursuit of Japanese pitching star Masahiro Tanaka.
It appears they may be ready to take another stab at landing a Japanese pitching star.
#DBacks have interest in Kenta Maeda; GM Dave Stewart says he believes team has at least one scout watching him at Premier 12.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 11, 2015
Maeda, 27, has compiled a 97-67 record with a 2.49 ERA over eight seasons with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Japanese Central League. In 2015, he posted a 15-8 record with a 2.09 ERA while striking out 175 batters in 206.1 innings pitched.
While most in baseball expect Maeda to be available to MLB teams this offseason, the Carp have yet to announce when the pitcher will be posted.
Should the Diamondbacks be interested in the pitcher they will undoubtedly not be alone. They, like every other team, will be eligible to sign Maeda as long as they pay a $20 million release fee.
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