Kenta Maeda makes MLB debut

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda Photo by: Mark J.

Maeda was the only star-caliber pitcher to make the jump across the Pacific to the MLB this past offseason, and is the first since Masahiro Tanaka signed with the Yankees prior to the 2014 season.

Maeda earned the Eiji Sawamura award twice while pitching for the Carp, an award that recognizes the best pitcher in the league.

After assessing Maeda’s health and paying a $20 million release fee to the Carp, the Dodgers signed Maeda to an eight-year deal with $25 million guaranteed.

Fortunately, the Dodgers still have the best pitcher in the league in Clayton Kershaw, and new manager Dave Roberts hopes that Maeda can stay healthy to help lead the Boys in Blue back to the postseason.