Reports: Tigers adding free-agent RHP Kenta Maeda to rotation

Field Level Media|published: 11/26/2023, 11:00pm EST

Oct 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) pitches in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros during game three of the ALDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Target Field. credits: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda apparently will stay in the American League Central after agreeing to a two-year, $24 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, according to multiple media reports.

Maeda, 35, had pitched since 2020 for the Minnesota Twins. He missed the entire 2022 campaign after Tommy John surgery in September 2021 and returned to action in April 2023. But he was back on the injured list later that month because of a right triceps strain.

He came back to finish with a 6-8 record and 4.23 ERA in 104 1/3 innings over 21 games (20 starts) for the AL Central champion Twins. Maeda allowed 17 homers and 28 walks with 117 strikeouts.

After a long career in Japan, Maeda pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016-19 before a trade to Minnesota in February 2020. For his career, he is 65-49 in 190 games (155 starts) with a 3.92 ERA, six saves, 951 strikeouts and 248 walks in 866 1/3 innings.

He finished third in the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year voting with Los Angeles, and was second in the 2020 AL Cy Young voting with Minnesota.

Maeda, should he pass a physical examination scheduled for Monday, according to media reports, will join a young rotation in Detroit featuring 27-year-old left-hander Tarik Skubal and right-handers Reese Olson, 24; Casey Mize, 26; and Matt Manning, 25.

—Field Level Media