Dodgers Rumors: Each Dodgers’ Player Rating in MLB the Show 17
By Evan Lovett
Kenta Maeda – 82
Maeda’s 2016 was workmanlike. Making all 32 of his starts, the Japanese import tallied a 3.48 ERA and a 16-11 record. He struck out 179 batters in 175 2/3 innings and featured a 1.13 WHIP. Not bad for a first-year major league player.
That said, expectations were higher for a pitcher that was considered one of the best in the highly competitive Japanese league and was coming off two Sawamura Awards, the Japanese version of the Cy Young award. The Dodgers signed him for a deal that could max out at $106 million, though the Dodgers protected themselves by loading the contract with incentives out of fear for his durability.
Those fears were allayed during the regular season, but his postseason struggles – 6.75 ERA in only 10 2/3 innings in three starts – give pause when reviewing his upside and are likely the justification for the average rating. An 82 – workmanlike, just like Maeda.