Right-handed starting pitcher Kenta Maeda announced his decision to leave MLB via Instagram on Wednesday.
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Maeda came to MLB in 2016, and made 226 starts across nine seasons. He pitched 986.2 innings across his career, striking out 1,055 batters. The 37-year-old announced he would resume his career in Japan after leaving the United States.
“I’ve decided to continue my career in Japan starting next season,” Maeda wrote in his post. “Playing baseball in the United States from 2016 to 2025 has been a dream come true and a decade full of unforgettable moments for which I’m deeply grateful. I’m incredibly thankful for all the amazing teammates, staff, and fans I’ve met along the way, and those connections mean the world to me.
“From the very first day, everyone welcomed me and my family with such kindness, helped us when we needed it, and supported me every step of the way. Winning a division title, celebrating with champagne, competing in the postseason, and reaching the World Series – those memories will stay with me forever.
“To all the fans, thank you for your incredible support. The energy in the ballpark, especially during the playoffs and the World Series, was truly unmatched. The standing ovation after escaping a tough jam remains one of the greatest moments of my baseball career. My time in MLB and in the United States has taught me countless lessons, helping me grow not just as a player but as a person.
“As I begin a new chapter in Japan next season, I look forward to the day our paths cross again!
“Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.”
Throughout his career, Maeda featured for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers.
The Dodgers signed Maeda as a free agent out of Japan in 2016, and he had a solid start to life in MLB during his rookie season. He finished the year with a 3.48 ERA while pitching 175.2 innings, finishing second in National League Rookie of the year voting.
He played three more years for the Dodgers, finishing his time in Los Angeles with a 3.87 ERA through 137 appearances. Ahead of the 2020 season, the Dodgers traded Maeda to the Twins with four years still left on his contract.
Maeda had the best season of his career following the trade, posting a 2.70 ERA through 11 starts in the shortened 2020 season. He placed second in the AL Cy Young award race that season. The rest of his time in Minnesota wasn’t quite as fruitful, though, as he posted a 4.44 ERA and missed 2022 with injury.
Following the expiration of his contract, Maeda signed a two-year deal with the Tigers, though struggled for consistent time in the majors and made just 36 appearances over the duration of his contract with more than half of them coming out of the bullpen.
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