Veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda, recently released by the Detroit Tigers, has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.
The 37-year-old struggled this season, appearing in just seven games for the Tigers and posting a 7.88 ERA over eight innings. He issued six walks, struck out eight, hit three batters, and threw two wild pitches.
Maeda joined the Tigers ahead of the 2024 season on a two-year, $24 million contract, initially earning a spot in the starting rotation. However, inconsistency led to his move to the bullpen by July. He found more success in relief, where he recorded a 3.86 ERA in 12 appearances, striking out 41 and walking only seven over 42 innings.
During the offseason, Maeda revamped his training approach, starting earlier and focusing on regaining velocity. His strong spring included 19 strikeouts and just one walk across 12 2/3 innings in Grapefruit League play. Despite this, he lost out on a rotation spot to Casey Mize and top prospect Jackson Jobe.
Maeda struggled to find rhythm in the bullpen during the 2025 regular season, and his role diminished as the season progressed. The Tigers ultimately designated him for assignment and remain responsible for the bulk of his $10 million salary this year. The Cubs will only be on the hook for the prorated MLB minimum ($780,000) if Maeda joins their active roster.
While the Cubs haven’t confirmed his assignment, Maeda is expected to begin with Triple-A Iowa.
Maeda began his MLB career in 2016 after a successful stint in Japan. He spent four seasons with the Dodgers before being traded to the Twins, where he finished second in Cy Young voting during the shortened 2020 season. An elbow injury in 2021 led to Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2022 season. He bounced back in 2023 with a 4.23 ERA, 117 strikeouts, and 28 walks over 104 1/3 innings.
The Cubs see potential value in the veteran arm. “He’s had success and he’s had struggles,” said manager Craig Counsell. “We need to keep evaluating him, have ongoing conversations, and see what adjustments can be made.”
Maeda will aim to extend his MLB career in Chicago—otherwise, a return to Japan could be on the horizon.
