Maeda Kenta signs with Rakuten and reveals his desire to face Kiyomiya and Nakagawa from Japan By Beatriz
3 min read
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Pitcher Kenta Maeda, aged 37, held a press conference at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, in Sendai, this Tuesday (16), marking his return to Japanese baseball after 11 years.
The former MLB player signed a two-year contract with Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and will inherit the number 18, previously worn by Masahiro Tanaka.
Maeda expressed excitement about returning to NPB and highlighted his desire to face hitters Kotaro Seimiya, from Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, and Keita Nakagawa, from Orix Buffaloes.
Regarding the confrontation against his former club, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, in the interleague series, he admitted mixed feelings, but stated his commitment to victories for Rakuten.
- Main reason: Palavras from GM Kazuhisa Ishii about evaluation as a starter and invitation to win titles together.
- Decision period: November Início, before the official announcement.
Decision by rakuten
Maeda highlighted that the evaluation as a starting pitcher was the most rewarding point.
Despite difficult periods in the season, he corrected his mechanics and regained confidence at the end of the year.
Ishii observed this process and conveyed a vision of a joint championship.
The image of fighting for the title with Rakuten was clearly formed.
The two-year contract reflects mutual trust.
Impression about the team
The Rakuten has posted fourth-place finishes in recent years, but has veteran pitchers and hitters.
Promising young people complement the cast.
Maeda sees the potential to fight for the title.
Prefers to act as behind-the-scenes support, sharing MLB experiences.
Want to contribute with consultations for players in difficulty.
In performance, look for numbers that lead the team.
Personal and collective goals
The sole objective is to conquer Japan Series.
Believes that the team can go beyond Climax Series and win everything.
Transatlantic day-month totals 165 victories, with 200 as distant motivation.
Plan to accumulate step by step.
Considering age, numerical goals are challenging but inspiring.
Desired opponents in the pacific league
Maeda specifically named Kotaro Seimiya and Keita Nakagawa as hitters he wants to face.
He faced Seimiya on a TV show when the player was a child and promised a professional duel.
The promise comes true now.
Nakagawa is the only former PL Gakuen classmate remaining in Pacífico League.
Face-offs with contemporaries, regardless of the league, are welcome.
Feelings about confrontation with Hiroshima
When asked about playing against his old team in the interleague, he replied that it is complicated.
You may not be able to see them as enemies.
However, as a member of Rakuten, he guaranteed that he will win.
Message to the fans: he wants to present good performances and lead the team to victory.
Ask for presence at the stadium, especially at games.
Applied mlb experiences
Maeda learned the breadth of the world in American baseball.
Annual changes require constant adaptations.
He grew as a person and player.
In Rakuten, avoid leading from the front, prioritizing support.
With many veterans, it focuses on sharing experiences.
He surprised journalists with hand-drawn t-shirts and letters.
Illustrated team mascots.
