The Detroit Tigers have been active in free agency, recently signing starting pitcher Kenta Maeda to a two-year deal. However, their ambitions extend beyond Maeda as they set their sights on another prized pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
In a conversation with Detroit media, Maeda expressed his interest in potentially playing alongside Yamamoto, who is currently a highly sought-after free agent. Maeda emphasized the camaraderie of having fellow countrymen on the same team, stating, “It would be nice to be able to play with fellow countrymen on the same team.” He also offered his experience and insights, saying, “I already have eight years of service time over here. If anyone comes to the Tigers, I think I can offer some good advice about pitching in America.”
While Maeda acknowledges that contract negotiations are in the hands of the front office, he is committed to supporting the recruitment of Japanese players to the Tigers.
The addition of Yamamoto to the Tigers’ roster would be a significant coup. Yamamoto, a standout right-hander, has consistently led Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, winning his third consecutive Sawamura Award, the NPB equivalent of MLB’s Cy Young award. His 2023 season was marked by a remarkable 16-6 record, a 1.21 ERA, and 169 strikeouts, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
The Tigers’ signing of Maeda is just the beginning of what they hope will be a successful pitching overhaul, with Yamamoto potentially becoming a pivotal part of their offseason plans.
