Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Twins haven’t gone gangbusters adding talent to the roster this offseason, but they have made a few moves. Alex Jackson is now the backup catcher, and Josh Bell represented the first free agent signing as the new starting first baseman.
Prior to the Rule 5 Draft the Twins juggled the roster in order to grab Daniel Susac and facilitate a trade. They allowed Carson McCusker the opportunity to play overseas in the process, and he’ll have a familiar name to Minnesota fans as a teammate.
Former Minnesota Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda joins Carson McCusker in Japan
Last season, Carson McCusker made his debut with the Minnesota Twins after tearing up the farm system. The independent ball product drew a level of fame due to his power hitting prowess. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate to the big leagues as evident in his 16/1 K/BB. Now set to play for the Rakuten Eagles in Japan, he’ll be joined by former Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda.
Maeda and McCusker may have crossed paths in 2023 while both were employed by the MN Twins, when Maeda was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade that ultimately sent Mookie Betts to the west coast.
In 2020 Maeda finished runner up for a Cy Young award. However, durability was never Maeda’s thing, and his 106 1/3 innings in 2021 were the most he ever accumulate for the Twins.
After posting a 4.23 ERA (4.02 FIP) with Minnesota in 2023, the Twins let him go to Detroit showing an unwillingness to do a multi-year deal. They were right as Maeda compiled a 6.21 ERA (5.04 FIP) over the last two years, and was demoted to the bullpen.
Now pitching back in his home country of Japan for the first time since 2015, Maeda joins Rakuten. He had previously spent the entirety of his Japanese playing experience with the Hiroshima Carp. At 37 years old, Maeda can end his career in comfort, and he’ll hopefully have a front row seat to McCusker launching plenty of homers as well.
Playing overseas, both will get a look at fellow former Twins slugger Miguel Sano. He too recently signed a deal to play in Japan.
Mentioned in this article: Carson McCusker Kenta Maeda
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