Before Monday’s games, the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays were tied for the best record in the American League. Based only on their record (65-48), one would believe that this season hasn’t caused many problems. However, Detroit has faced a number of challenges.
At the trade deadline, the Tigers had to acquire Chris Paddack and Charlie Morton due to injuries to Jackson Jobe and Reese Olson. They almost lost their lead in the American League Central after outfielder Kerry Carpenter had a hamstring injury in June.
A bad free agent choice also backfired on the Tigers, and as the team gets ready for the final stretch, one of those players ended up with an AL rival.
Former Tigers Pitcher Kenta Maeda Signs Minor League Deal with Yankees
Former Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda is opting out of his minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs and agreeing to a new one with the New York Yankees, according to Yuki Yamada of MLB.com. The 37-year-old will join his third franchise this season as a result of the interest between the two parties, which was initially reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Prior to the 2023 season, Maeda signed a two-year, $24 million contract with Detroit, but he had other plans. Maeda, who had a 3-7 record and a 6.21 ERA in 120.1 innings pitched for the Tigers, was designated for assignment last May after being ousted from the rotation late in the previous season. A few weeks later, he signed a contract with the Cubs, but he is using his opt-out clause to have another shot to play in the major leagues.
Maeda spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers after arriving from Japan in 2016 and placing third in the National League Rookie of the Year. After missing the full 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, he went 15–20 with a 5.08 ERA in 331 innings and placed third in the AL Cy Young Award voting during the truncated 2020 season.
The Yankees, however, will be the most recent team to look for Maeda’s potential. As the season went on, Clark Schmidt and Ryan Yarbrough were added to the disabled list, while Gerrit Cole was sidelined for the season following Tommy John surgery last spring. They may call Maeda up for the last stretch run since they are in dire need of arms after Carlos Rodón struggled and Marcus Stroman was discharged this week.
The Tigers’ postseason aspirations are unlikely to be derailed by Maeda’s retaliation. However, it’s something to keep an eye on as he attempts to salvage a terrible 2025 season.
