4 takeaways from the Detroit Tigers hot start to 2024

3. Kenta Maeda looks...rough.

Starting pitcher Kenta Maeda was one of the signings that Scott Harris wanted fans to get excited about this offseason. Naturally, I was skeptical. It appears that my skepticism was warranted. 3.1 IP, 7 hits, 6 ER, 2 strikeouts, and 3 home runs allowed. Oh boy. Remember, this is the majorly rebuilding Chicago White Sox he is pitching against. There is not much to fear in that lineup outside of Luis Robert Jr.

Could this be just a rough start for Maeda, sure, but we're sports fans, of course, we are going to overreact to everything at the beginning of the season. Maeda only hit 89 MPH in this game and a hard-hit percentage of 80% is horrifying. Maeda is 35, if the velocity is already that low, it could be a long year. He has never been known for his velocity, but last year he was consistently hitting 91 MPH with the fastball.

The long ball appears as though it is going to be an issue this season, which is always great. I am afraid that this year is going to be dark for Mr. Maeda, and I don't even want to think about next season at this point.