Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Kenta Maeda The $20 Million 5th Starter?


We have not even reached the World Series yet and the hot stove is already turned on and preheating for the New York Yankees. Speculation has already started that the latest Japanese phenom to come over to the states, Kenta Maeda, will sign with the Yankees or the Boston Red Sox for a reported six year deal worth $120-130 million. Looking at Maeda's numbers in Japan and expecting some sort of regression from those numbers when he comes state side will someone really make Maeda the first $20 million AAV fifth starter?

Maeda's stats in Japan are good, but not overwhelming, and in no way should warrant that sort of contract. Maeda has thrown 1,259 IP in seven seasons in Japan and totaled under 175 IP just once in his career, his rookie season. Maeda tops out at 92 MPH on his fastball and like most Japanese pitchers offers multiple off speed and breaking pitches. Maeda went 11-8 for the Hiroshima Carp this season posting a 2.56 ERA with 154 K's in 179 IP. Maeda sounds like a right handed present day CC Sabathia.

Maeda's only saving grace is that he is just 27 years old and could be entering his prime just in the nick of time. I'm not saying I wouldn't take Maeda but he wouldn't be my Plan A or even my Plan D. He would rank behind Max Scherzer, Jon Lester, James Shields, and Brandon McCarthy at least.

2 comments:

  1. Something smells like Kie Igawa here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I never thought of that but yes, you may be onto something.

    ReplyDelete

Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)