The Detroit Tigers have made a significant move to bolster their pitching rotation for the upcoming MLB season. Right-hander Kenta Maeda has agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with the Tigers, according to sources familiar with the deal. This signing is aimed at strengthening Detroit’s rotation as they look to build on their 78-84 finish in the competitive American League Central.
Maeda, who will turn 36 early in the season, brings his wealth of experience to the Tigers. He joins a team that showed promise in the second half of the previous season, going 39-34 and displaying a positive run differential. Detroit had been actively seeking starting pitching depth in the mid-tier market, and Maeda, who recently recovered from Tommy John surgery, fits the bill. In his last season with the Minnesota Twins, he posted a 4.23 ERA across 104â…“ innings, recording 117 strikeouts and 28 walks.
The addition of Maeda complements a Tigers rotation that already includes promising young talent. Left-hander Tarik Skubal, who returned from flexor-tendon surgery in July, emerged as one of the top-performing pitchers in baseball during the latter part of the season. Additionally, right-handers Reese Olson and Matt Manning, who is recovering from a broken foot, are part of the rotation mix.
Detroit’s offensive lineup has also shown improvement, with players like first baseman Spencer Torkelson, outfielder Kerry Carpenter, and centerfielder Riley Greene making significant contributions. Greene, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow in September, has displayed All-Star potential. The Tigers are also anticipating the arrival of top hitting prospect Colt Keith in 2024, adding another promising bat to their lineup.
One key aspect of Maeda’s game that the Tigers hope to capitalize on is his ability to limit home runs. While he allowed 17 home runs in the previous season, Maeda has had his most effective seasons when he managed to keep the long ball in check. Playing at the spacious Comerica Park in Detroit could work to his advantage in this regard.
Staying in the American League Central division should also play into the Tigers’ favor, as they face opponents like the Minnesota Twins, who are looking to cut payroll, and the Cleveland Guardians, who have a formidable rotation but a lackluster offense. The Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, both of whom suffered 100-plus losses in the previous season, are not currently seen as threats in the division.
The Tigers have demonstrated their willingness to invest in talent this offseason, with Maeda joining other notable signings like Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Reynaldo Lopez in the $10 million-12 million-a-year salary range. Detroit’s aggressive approach in the market is expected to continue as they aim to position themselves as contenders in the American League Central.