Shohei Ohtani, one of baseball’s most extraordinary talents, has captured the attention of the world not only for his exceptional skills but also for his connections to Japan, where baseball is a sport of deep cultural significance. While Ohtani’s future in Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently a hot topic due to his potential free agency, there is another prominent Japanese player who could follow in Ohtani’s footsteps and return to Japan, potentially leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers behind: Kenta Maeda.
Maeda, like Ohtani, represents the bridge between two baseball cultures: the high-tech, fast-paced, and often high-pressure world of MLB and the more traditional, methodical approach to the sport that is rooted in Japan. Both players have made significant impacts in the major leagues, and the discussion about their futures involves more than just performance on the field. It’s also a reflection of the complex intersection of career trajectories, cultural identity, and the unique pressures of playing abroad.
Kenta Maeda’s MLB Journey
Kenta Maeda, born in Japan, was a standout pitcher for the Hiroshima Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He was known for his deceptive pitching style, a mix of a sharp slider, a well-executed changeup, and pinpoint control. His success in Japan earned him a spot in MLB, where he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 after an intense bidding process. Maeda’s transition to the big leagues was highly anticipated, as he was expected to bring his unique skills to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
In the MLB, Maeda’s performance was solid. Over his time with the Dodgers (2016-2020), he established himself as a reliable starter and an effective bullpen option during the postseason. His contributions were especially notable in the 2020 season, when he played a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series championship run. Yet, despite his success, Maeda’s time with the Dodgers was marked by some frustration. He was often shuffled between starting and relieving roles, which limited his ability to establish consistency as a regular starter.
The Potential Move Back to Japan
Maeda’s contract with the Dodgers ended in 2020 when he was traded to the Minnesota Twins. However, the idea of Maeda returning to Japan has been a topic of speculation ever since. After being sidelined by an injury in 2021 and undergoing Tommy John surgery, Maeda has faced challenges in regaining his form. While his future in the MLB remains uncertain, there are growing whispers that Maeda, like other Japanese players who have come to the U.S. for the fame and financial opportunity, could eventually choose to return home.
In Japan, Maeda would be a hero. He has already achieved so much in both NPB and MLB, and his legacy in Japan is cemented. The idea of Maeda returning to NPB may appeal to him on several levels, including the opportunity to finish his career with a team in the country where he started. Additionally, the pressures of MLB, with its relentless pace, high expectations, and rigorous travel schedules, might be less appealing as Maeda looks ahead to the next phase of his career.
The notion of Maeda returning to Japan would not be without precedent. In fact, several Japanese players have left MLB to return to their home country after spending time in the U.S. The most notable example is Ichiro Suzuki, one of Japan’s most iconic players, who returned to NPB after a celebrated MLB career. Other players, such as Hiroki Kuroda, have made similar moves, suggesting that it’s a well-trodden path for players who wish to finish their careers with a sense of closure and continued respect in their home country.
Cultural and Personal Factors
For Maeda, the decision to leave MLB and return to Japan could also be deeply personal. Japanese players often face a unique set of pressures when they come to the U.S., including cultural adaptation, language barriers, and homesickness. Maeda, like many of his compatriots, would have initially been motivated by the chance to compete at the highest level and earn a substantial income. However, over time, he may come to feel the strain of being far from home, especially as he matures and reflects on his place in the global baseball landscape.
Furthermore, the Japanese baseball community places a great deal of importance on the idea of finishing strong, and returning to Japan would allow Maeda to do just that. Many Japanese fans would see his return as an opportunity for him to be treated with the respect and adoration he deserves after years of hard work and sacrifice. Maeda’s connection to Japan would remain an integral part of his identity, and a return could serve as a fitting end to his illustrious career.
The Influence of Ohtani
Maeda’s decision to leave the Dodgers and return to Japan may also be influenced by the rise of Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s success in MLB has brought a wave of excitement to Japanese baseball fans, and his dual-threat abilities as a pitcher and hitter have raised the global profile of Japanese baseball. Ohtani’s continued dominance in MLB has also placed a spotlight on the talents of Japanese players and the potential for them to succeed in both NPB and MLB.
If Ohtani were to return to Japan after his MLB career, it could signal a shift in how Japanese players view the U.S. professional league. While MLB will always be the most prestigious league in terms of global competition and financial rewards, the allure of returning home to Japan, where the baseball culture is so strong, could become more appealing for players like Maeda.
Moreover, the increased attention on Japanese baseball, both domestically and internationally, could provide Maeda with additional career opportunities back in Japan. Teams in the NPB would undoubtedly welcome him back with open arms, and his return could be seen as a major boost for the league.
