HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) Kenta Maeda capped his Sawamura Award-winning year Monday with a big raise, signing a ¥120 million deal with the Hiroshima Carp for 2011.
The 22-year-old Maeda received a ¥72 million hike from this past season, when he became the first Central League pitcher in six years to win the pitching award, which is the Japanese equivalent of the majors' Cy Young.
"Ever since I turned pro, it was always one of my goals to reach the ¥100 million mark," said Maeda, who is now the highest paid player on the team alongside slugger Kenta Kurihara and closer Katsuhiro Nagakawa.
"And I'm so happy I've done it."
Maeda was also given a ¥30 million bonus for winning the pitcher's Triple Crown with a 2.21 ERA, 15 wins and 174 strikeouts. He is the first CL player in 11 years to sweep the three titles.