Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda on Wednesday re-signed with the Central League club for ¥300 million, up ¥20 million from last season.

“The club not only valued my results but also the way I played,” the 26-year-old said after signing the new deal at Mazda Stadium.

Maeda had spoken of hopes of playing in the major leagues next season but the Carp told him last week that they would not allow him to leave via the posting system.

“I am thinking this (going to the majors) is close to becoming a reality. Hopefully I can go in the offseason next year,” said Maeda.

The right-hander went 11-9 with a 2.60 earned run average this past season, when Hiroshima finished third in the CL for the second straight season.

Maeda will not be eligible for unlimited free agency until after the 2017 season.