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Tigers Make Major Decision on $24 Million Bust

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 12:59 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers expected veteran righty Kenta Maeda to bolster their rotation when they signed him in 2023.

Instead, Maeda begins this season where he ended last year: the bullpen.

Maeda, who turns 37 on April 11, failed to crack the Tigers' rotation after a dreadful spring. The one-time NL Rookie of the Year finalist allowed eight runs in 12.2 springs entering Saturday.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch nonetheless praised Maeda's preseason performance. Maeda has shown improved velocity and owns 19 strikeouts in 12.2 innings.

"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 said Friday.

"But I do like the progress that he showed," Hinch added, according to the Tigers' official website. "We're happy with the work that he put in, and I don't want this transition to the bullpen to negatively impact that."

Detroit confirmed Saturday that top prospect Jackson Jobe and 2018 No. 1 pick Casey Mize earned roster spots.

Given his contract, Maeda's full-time transition to the bullpen is a disappointing development. He went 3-7 with a 6.09 ERA and -1.8 bWAR across 29 games (17 starts) in the first season of a two-year, $24 million deal.

Maeda is 68-56 with a 4.17 ERA in eight seasons with the Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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