VIDEO: Kenta Maeda Throws First Bullpen Session as a Twin and He Looked Sharp
By Brendan Balsamo
After a lot of delay and confusion, the three-team trade between the Dodgers, Twins and Red Sox finally went through, sending multiple notable players to new destinations. In 2020, Maeda will be throwing in the Twin Cities as the newest member of Minnesota's starting rotation. Well, Twins fans were given their first glimpses at the Japanese hurler on Friday, as a video was shared of his first bullpen session in his new uniform.
Kenta Maeda’s first throws in a Twins uniform. pic.twitter.com/avzdgKarqe
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 14, 2020
Throwing in Minnesota will be very different for Maeda, as he has to adjust not only to a colder climate, but he has to adjust to pitch against American League offenses.
Maeda was splitting time between the bullpen and starting rotation for the Dodgers last year but he'll be back to full-time starting duties in 2020. Across 37 appearances last season, 11 in relief, Maeda logged a 4.04 ERA and struck out 169 batters across 153.2 innings of work.
Kenta Maeda just met with the Twin Cities media for the first time.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 13, 2020
He said he’s never been to Minnesota before and he really only knows one thing about the place: “It’s cold.”
The 31-year-old was a great addition for a Twins team looking to push for a World Series, and fans will hope he can maintain his success now playing up north.