Veteran pitcher Kenta Maeda has signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs, just days after being released by the Detroit Tigers. The 37-year-old right-hander has struggled this season, appearing in only seven games and posting a 7.88 ERA over eight innings. During that stretch, Maeda walked six batters, struck out eight, and hit three more, while also throwing two wild pitches. His early-season performance contributed to Detroit’s decision to cut ties.
Maeda joined the Tigers before the 2024 season on a two-year, $24 million contract, and began the year in the starting rotation. However, due to inconsistency, he was moved to the bullpen by July. The shift seemed to suit him better, as he posted a respectable 3.86 ERA in 12 relief appearances, striking out 41 and walking just seven across 42 innings. Hoping to rebound in 2025, Maeda revamped his offseason training, increasing his throwing intensity and beginning workouts earlier than in previous years.
Despite an encouraging spring training, where he struck out 19 and walked just one in 12⅔ innings of Grapefruit League action, Maeda failed to secure a rotation spot. Young pitchers like Casey Mize and top prospect Jackson Jobe outperformed him, winning opportunities in the big leagues. Maeda’s struggles continued into the regular season, and his diminished role eventually left Detroit with little choice but to release him.
Financially, the Tigers remain responsible for most of Maeda’s $10 million salary for the 2025 season. However, that figure will be partially offset by the prorated league minimum if Maeda spends time on the Cubs’ major league roster. The Cubs have not yet confirmed his assignment, but he is expected to report to Triple-A Iowa to begin his tenure with the organization.
Maeda’s MLB journey began in 2016 following a successful career in Japan. He initially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, later being traded to the Minnesota Twins in 2019. He was the Cy Young runner-up in the shortened 2020 season but suffered an elbow injury in 2021 that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for all of 2022. He returned in 2023 with decent results—6-8 with a 4.23 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 104⅓ innings.
This opportunity with the Cubs may be Maeda’s last chance to extend his MLB career. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Maeda’s experience and recent struggles, emphasizing the need for ongoing adjustments. If things don’t pan out in Chicago, Maeda may consider returning to Japan for a final chapter in his professional baseball career. For now, though, he’ll look to rebuild his form and value with the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate.
