Right-handed free agent Kenta Maeda has reached a two-year, $24 million agreement with the Detroit Tigers, according to an anonymous source familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday night. The person revealed this information under the condition of anonymity, as the formal announcement was pending the successful completion of a physical examination.
Maeda, who will turn 36 on April 11, spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins. In the current season, he posted a record of 6-8 with a 4.23 ERA in 20 starts and one relief appearance after returning from Tommy John surgery on September 1, 2021.
During a game on April 20, Maeda was struck on the left ankle by a 111.6-mph hit from Boston’s Jarren Duran. Following a challenging outing against the New York Yankees, where he conceded career highs of 10 runs and 11 hits, Maeda landed on the injured list due to a strained right triceps, sidelining him until June 23. He later made two relief appearances in the AL Division Series against the Houston Astros, giving up three runs in four innings.
Maeda had previously completed an eight-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed in 2016, which guaranteed him $25 million and included up to $81.2 million in potential innings and roster bonuses. In 2023, he earned $650,000 in bonuses.
Throughout his career with the Dodgers (2016-2019) and the Twins (2020-2021, 2023), Maeda holds a record of 65-49 with a 3.92 ERA in 155 starts and 35 relief outings. The Dodgers traded him to the Twins in February 2020 in exchange for right-hander Brusdar Graterol and first baseman/outfielder Luke Raley.
In Detroit, Maeda is expected to bolster a pitching rotation that includes right-handers Matt Manning, Alex Faedo, and Reese Olson. Notably, left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez opted out of the remaining three years and $49 million of his contract to become a free agent, while left-handers Joey Wentz and Tarik Skubal played significant roles in the rotation, along with right-hander Reese Olson.
