Fans of the Detroit Tigers struggled to believe that the team was a serious contender in 2025, largely due to their unwillingness to spend a lot of money during the offseason. Despite making the playoffs for the first time in ten years last year, the Tigers failed to sign any big-money players, even if they tried to sign Alex Bregman.
However, assigning experienced righty Kenta Maeda, as they did on Thursday, suggests that they may now be serious about winning and that this protracted reconstruction may be officially done, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
When analyzing poor Tigers contracts, all of the emphasis goes to Javier Baez, and deservingly so. Even though Baez had a strong start to the 2025 season, his contract is a complete mess. Nevertheless, Detroit had other albatrosses on its books besides his pact. As horrible as Baez has been, Maeda has been just as bad, if not worse, since signing his two-year, $24 million deal with Detroit before of the 2024 campaign.
When analyzing poor Tigers contracts, all of the emphasis goes to Javier Baez, and deservingly so. Even though Baez had a strong start to the 2025 season, his contract is a complete mess. Nevertheless, Detroit had other albatrosses on its books besides his pact. As horrible as Baez has been, Maeda has been just as bad, if not worse, since signing his two-year, $24 million deal with Detroit before of the 2024 campaign.
Tigers prove they’re all-in on winning by DFA’ing Kenta Maeda
While firing bad players may seem like a simple decision, organizations that have invested a significant amount of money in certain players find it extremely difficult. For instance, due to his contract, Kris Bryant remains with the Colorado Rockies despite being a complete flop. Because of his salary, the Tigers weren’t going to cut Baez, even though he was below replacement level before this season.
If Maeda were earning the league minimum, it would be obvious to DFA him, but he is earning $10 million. It is difficult for a team to spend so much money just to see him wear a different jersey and maybe play against them.
This was a move that teams seeking to win made, no matter how difficult it was. After a dismal 2024 season, Maeda was signed to Detroit to complete their starting rotation, although he hasn’t started this season. With seven appearances and eight innings pitched, Maeda has a 7.88 ERA while pitching just in relief. Maeda was once a reliable mid-rotation arm, but wearing a Tigers uniform rendered him useless.
The team that already has the best record in the American League just got better, and they did it without worrying about money. Tigers fans have been looking forward to this day for a while. It is unclear who will replace Maeda on the big-league roster, but as long as it is a player who can be league-average, the Tigers will upgrade by making this move.
