Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda’s chances of playing in the big leagues next season were all but erased on Thursday, when the Central League club informed him that they will not allow him to leave via the posting system.

The 26-year-old Maeda has spoken openly about his desire to play in the majors, but now appears headed to negotiations for his 2015 Carp contract before the end of the year. The right-hander, who met with team officials at Mazda Stadium on Thursday, went 11-9 with a 2.60 ERA in 2014, 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.