Hiroshima Carp owner Hajime Matsuda indicated Monday the team is unlikely to accept tender bids for Kenta Maeda under the posting system this offseason following the right-hander's disappointing season in 2014.
"We have the right. We would like to let him go, but based on his production this year it will be difficult," Matsuda said.
At the earliest, Maeda, 26, will become eligible for overseas free agency during the 2017 offseason.
Maeda, a winner of Japanese baseball's prestigious Sawamura Award, told his team in 2013 of his desire to play in the major leagues. This season, Maeda went 11-9 with a 2.60 ERA.
On Sunday, Maeda said, "I have more regrets this season (than anything else)," adding that he had no plans in particular to make a move during this offseason.
