Introduction
Kenta Maeda is a Japanese-born right-handed pitcher who has carved out a multi-year career in both Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). This article dives deep into his contract history, his statistical output (including from FanGraphs), his current age and status, and what that might mean moving forward.
Age & Background
-
Maeda was born on April 11, 1988.
-
As of November 2025, he is 37 years old.
-
Height/weight: 6′1″ (185 lb) — listed in FanGraphs profile.
-
He bats and throws right-handed.
-
Maeda began his professional career in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and later transitioned to MLB.
Contract History
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (2016)
-
On January 7, 2016, Maeda signed an 8-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
-
Guaranteed amount: about US$ 25 million over eight years with significant incentives.
-
The contract was heavily incentive-laden (starts, innings pitched, roster bonuses) due in part to “irregularities” in his physical.
2. Detroit Tigers (2024-25)
-
On November 28, 2023, Maeda signed a 2-year, US$ 24 million contract with the Detroit Tigers (US$14 M in 2024, US$10 M in 2025) according to multiple sources.
-
The Tigers envisioned him both as a veteran rotation piece and someone to mentor younger pitchers.
3. Recent Moves / Minor League Deal
-
In 2025, the Tigers designated Maeda for assignment after early struggles.
-
Subsequently, he signed minor league / depth deals (e.g., with the New York Yankees organization) later in the season.
Career Statistics & FanGraphs Insights
MLB Overview
-
Career MLB record (as of 2025): 68-56 win-loss, ERA ~4.20 in 226 games (172 starts).
-
Strikeouts: approximately 1,055.
-
In 2025: 7 games, 8.0 IP, ERA of 7.88, WHIP 1.88.
FanGraphs Detailed Metrics
-
FanGraphs profile shows his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and other advanced stats.
-
Some notable splits: in one dataset GB% ~40.0, 7.0% for “?.”
-
Heat maps and pitch selection graphs reflect his evolution as a pitcher.
NPB & Early Career
-
In Japan with Hiroshima: posted excellent numbers (ERA around 2.39 over his NPB career; 1,233 strikeouts in the Japanese league) → though exact numbers must be contextualised.
Contract × Performance: A Reality Check
-
The Dodgers’ contract in 2016 was structured to limit risk due to Maeda’s physical and transition to MLB workload.
-
The 2-yr/US$24 M deal with Detroit reflected his veteran status and prior performance, but the outcome (6.09 ERA in 2024, 7.88 in early 2025) under-wrote risk.
-
As he enters the later stages of his career (age 37+), contract expectations and role have shifted toward depth/relief rather than front‐line starter.
Age, Role & Future Outlook
Current Age & Physical Considerations
-
At 37, Maeda is older than many rotation regulars. Physical durability and effectiveness may decline.
-
Given his history of Tommy John surgery (he missed the entire 2022 season) and variable recent results, teams may view him as bullpen depth or minor-league option.
Role Evolution
-
Early in MLB: Starter with high expectations (Dodgers era).
-
More recently: Mixed starter/reliever usage (Twins, Tigers) and now depth minor-league deals.
-
Teams may leverage his experience, ability to spot pitches, and veteran leadership rather than high-end innings.
What to Watch
-
Can he rediscover form in a sample size with reduced innings?
-
Will he transition fully to a bullpen role (less stress, shorter outings)?
-
What contract value does he command moving forward (likely minor league or short-term/low-guarantee deals)?
-
How teams value his FanGraphs metrics (especially dipping velocity or rising ERA) in negotiations.
Key Takeaways & Summary
-
Kenta Maeda signed two major contracts: the incentive-heavy 8-year deal with the Dodgers (2016) and the 2-year/US$24 M deal with the Tigers (2024-25).
-
His statistical track record is solid overall (68-56, 4.20 ERA, 1,055 K in MLB) with earlier dominance in Japan.
-
FanGraphs data illustrate both his strengths (pitch mix, strikeouts) and signs of decline (Rising ERA, sub-optimal WAR recently).
-
Age and recent performance mean his role and contract expectations have shifted: from front-line starter to veteran depth.
-
For teams: Maeda offers experience and innings, but the risk/return trade-off is less favourable than earlier in his career.
FAQs
Q1: How old is Kenta Maeda?
A1: He was born on April 11, 1988, making him 37 years old as of late 2025.
Q2: What are Maeda’s career MLB statistics?
A2: He has a career MLB record of approximately 68-56, with an ERA around 4.20, about 1,055 strikeouts, across 226 games and 172 starts.
Q3: What major contracts has Maeda signed?
A3: Key contracts include:
-
2016: 8-year deal with the Dodgers, guaranteed ~$25 M plus incentives.
-
2024-25: 2-year/US$24 M deal with the Tigers (US$14 M in 2024, US$10 M in 2025).
Q4: What do FanGraphs metrics say about him?
A4: FanGraphs profiles show his WAR, pitch-type breakdowns, heat maps and splits — highlighting both his earlier strengths (ground-ball rate, strikeouts) and signs of decline (ERA spike, reduced dominance).
Q5: What is his expected future role?
A5: Given age and recent performance, Maeda is more likely to serve as veteran depth, bullpen option, or minor-league depth rather than high-leverage starter. Contract deals are likely to be short-term, lower guarantee, with performance incentives. Kenta Maeda.
Conclusion
Kenta Maeda’s career offers a compelling case study of a talented international pitcher making the leap to MLB, achieving solid results, securing major contracts, and then navigating the inevitable aging curve. For the SEO-aware sports fan or fantasy analyst, understanding his contract history, statistical trends via FanGraphs, and current age/role dynamics provides a fuller picture beyond simple win-loss records. As Maeda continues his career, his ability to adapt (e.g., shorter outings, relief appearances) and offer value beyond just raw innings will determine how teams view and deploy him moving forward.
