The Detroit Tigers signed veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda to a two-year, $24 million contract in November 2023, aiming to strengthen their starting rotation and provide mentorship to younger pitchers. Maeda, who returned from Tommy John surgery in 2023, posted a 4.23 ERA over 104 1/3 innings with the Minnesota Twins, demonstrating solid control with 117 strikeouts against 28 walks.
Despite these expectations, recent reports indicate that Maeda will begin the 2025 season in the Tigers’ bullpen. Manager A.J. Hinch informed the 36-year-old pitcher of this decision, even though Maeda showcased improved performance during spring training, with his fastball velocity reaching 92-93 mph and a strikeout rate of 36.5%. This move suggests that while the Tigers value Maeda’s experience and skill set, they currently see him contributing more effectively in a relief role as they finalize their rotation for the upcoming season.
Kenta Maeda will begin the 2025 season in the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen, continuing the role he assumed midway through the 2024 season. After signing a two-year, $24 million contract in November 2023, Maeda struggled as a starter, posting a 7.26 ERA over his first 16 starts. This led to his transition to the bullpen in July 2024, where he showed improvement with a 3.86 ERA over 42 innings.
During the 2025 spring training, Maeda demonstrated increased fastball velocity and an impressive strikeout rate. However, the Tigers opted to assign starting roles to top prospects Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize, moving Maeda to a relief position to leverage his experience and bolster bullpen depth.
Manager A.J. Hinch expressed satisfaction with Maeda’s spring performance, highlighting his control and strikeout capabilities, and anticipates Maeda’s significant contribution from the bullpen in the upcoming season.
Kenta Maeda, who will turn 37 on April 11, has been assigned to the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen to start the 2025 season. Despite an uptick in his fastball velocity during spring training, Maeda struggled with his performance, allowing eight runs over 12.2 innings. Consequently, the Tigers have opted to utilize him in a relief role, aiming to bolster their bullpen depth.
The Tigers have finalized their starting rotation, with top prospects Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize securing the final two spots. Jobe, the organization’s top prospect, had a solid spring, while Mize impressed with an improved fastball and splitter following Tommy John surgery. The rotation will be led by Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson.
Manager A.J. Hinch expressed satisfaction with Maeda’s spring performance, highlighting his control and strikeout capabilities, and anticipates Maeda’s significant contribution from the bullpen in the upcoming season.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Kenta Maeda’s preseason performance, noting his improved velocity and impressive 19 strikeouts over 12.2 innings. Despite these positives, Maeda will start the season in the bullpen. Hinch acknowledged the possibility of Maeda returning to a starting role, stating, “Obviously, moving him to the ‘pen to start the season is one thing, and who knows if there’s a chance for him to start some games for us.” Hinch emphasized his satisfaction with Maeda’s progress and expressed hope that the transition to the bullpen wouldn’t negatively impact his performance.
The Detroit Tigers have finalized their starting rotation for the 2025 season, with top prospect Jackson Jobe and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize securing the final two spots. Jobe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft, has impressed during spring training, while Mize has shown significant improvement following previous injuries.
Despite signing a two-year, $24 million contract in November 2023, Kenta Maeda will begin the season in the bullpen. In the first year of his contract, Maeda struggled, posting a 3-7 record with a 6.09 ERA and -1.8 bWAR across 29 games (17 starts). Over his eight-season MLB career with the Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins, Maeda holds a 68-56 record with a 4.17 ERA.
Manager A.J. Hinch has praised Maeda’s preseason performance, noting his improved velocity and 19 strikeouts over 12.2 innings. Hinch expressed optimism about Maeda’s potential contributions from the bullpen and did not rule out the possibility of him returning to a starting role in the future.
The Tigers’ rotation will be led by Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson, with Jobe and Mize rounding out the group. This combination of experienced pitchers and emerging talent positions Detroit to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
