Thus far in the offseason the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t been able to address their startin pitching need. Brett Anderson accepted the qualifying offer, but Los Angeles has otherwise come away empty handed in their pursuit of another starter.
Another potential free-agent option came off the board on Tuesday as Mike Leake agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers reportedly have continued to discuss a trade with the Miami Marlins for ace Jose Fernandez, but the two sides remain far apart on reaching an agreement.
As the Dodgers look to fill their rotation in the wake of Zack Greinke joining the Arizona Diamondbacks, Japanese native Kenta Maeda has emerged as a name to watch.
The Hiroshima Carp posted Maeda for the maximum $20 million just under two weeks ago. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Dodgers have interest in the right-hander and have been in contact with Maeda’s representatives:
Sources: #Dodgers interested in Kenta Maeda and maintaining contact with his representatives ahead of Jan. 8 deadline. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 22, 2015
Following another dominant season, Maeda was presented with the Sawamura Award, which is the Japanese equivalent to Major League Baseball’s Cy Young Award. It was the second time in his career he’s received the award.
Maeda, who will turn 28 years old in April, was 15-8 with a 2.09 ERA and 1.01 WHIP last season. He averaged 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings to just 1.9 walks per nine innings. Every team has the right to submit the $20 million bid for rights to negotiate with Maeda.
The deadline for a Major League club to sign him is Jan. 8, 2016.
