The Detroit Tigers are showing a lot of interest in veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda, but the Minnesota Twins are also keeping an eye on him.
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly very interested in veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda. The Minnesota Twins are reportedly keeping an eye on Maeda, who most recently pitched for them, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The Tigers and his former Twins are interested in Kenta Maeda.
It makes sense that both teams would be eager to participate. Firstly, Maeda is a fine veteran who can give a rotation consistency and innings. Secondly, his cost is probably not too high. A number of starters have drawn interest from the Tigers, but only on short-term, less expensive contracts. According to reports, the Twins want to cut payroll and won’t want to spend money on the best starting free agents.
Maeda had a 4.23 ERA and a 6-8 record for Minnesota this season. He threw 104.1 innings with 117 strikeouts in 20 starts.
Over his seven-year career, the Japanese pitcher has thrown for both the Dodgers and Twins. Prior to the 2020 campaign, he was traded to the Twins after joining LA in 2016. In three different seasons, he has won ten or more games, and in the shortened 2020 COVID season, he finished 6-1.
He’s been to the playoffs nearly every year of his career and could help either team with his leadership capabilities and playoff experience. The Twins went to the American League Division Series this season, with Maeda throwing four innings of relief.
The Tigers, who trailed Minnesota in the American League Central, intend to take another significant step forward in 2024.
