Kenta Maeda signs with AL Central rival, earns 2-year deal
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly in agreement on a two-year, $24 million deal with right-handed veteran starter Kenta Maeda, per The New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
Maeda, 35, leaves the Minnesota Twins after four seasons. He missed 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and some time last season due to a tricep injury.
Last season the Japanese hurler compiled a 4.23 ERA/4.02 FIP in 21 games (20 starts). He put up 117 strikeouts which was the most in his Twins career.
Over a span of seven big league seasons between the Twins and the Dodgers he has posted a 3.92 ERA in 192 games (130 starts) with a 9.9 K/9.
The Tigers have a young rotation that is currently lead by Tarik Skubal and Reese Olson. Maeda will bring a veteran presence that is vacant with Eduardo Rodriguez currently on the free agent market.
Detroit has shown interest in free agent righty Seth Lugo, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. With their inexperience, it wouldn’t be surprising to if the Tigers continue to hunt for more arms.
Maeda makes the third middle of the rotation arm off the market. The Cardinals have already signed righties Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson prior to Thanksgiving.
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