The Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) announced the signing of 37-year-old right-hander Kenta Maeda to a two year contract worth 400 million Yen (US$2.6 million).

Maeda will return to his home country after playing for three Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs (Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers) from 2016 to 2025.

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp selected Maeda out of Gauken Senior High School during the 2006 NPB Draft. The right-hander made it to the NPB club on April 5, 2008. He earned 97 wins, posting a 2.39 earned run average (ERA) and striking out 1,233 batters through the 2015 season. He was honoured with the Eiji Sawamura Award in 2010 and 2015. In 2010, he won the Triple Crown. Maeda participated in five NPB All-Star Games, earning the MVP Award of the 2012 edition.

At the end of the 2015 season, Maeda starred for Samurai Japan at the inaugural WBSC Premier12. He posted a 1-0 record in two starts, registering a 1.50 ERA and 14 strikeouts against only one walk in 12 innings pitched for the Samurai. Maeda’s victory came against world No. 9 Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals, where he topped out at 152 km/h (94.4 mph) and showcased an arsenal of pitches, including a highly polished change-up. 

In the 2015 offseason, Maeda signed an eight-year, US$25 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers of MLB. The deal included US$10-12 million per season in incentives. He won 16 games in his rookie season and performed as a solid starter for the subsequent three campaigns.

On February 10, 2020, the Dodgers traded Maeda, Jaír Camargo, and cash considerations to the Minnesota Twins for Brusdar Graterol, Luke Raley, and the 67th draft pick in the 2020 MLB draft.

On November 28, 2023, Maeda signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. After struggling as a starter, he moved to the bullpen in July. He cleared waivers in May and spent the rest of the season in the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees minor league teams. He elected free agency at the end of the season.