Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda reportedly has a new home on the North Side of Chicago. According to Marquee Sports Network, the Cubs have signed Maeda to a minor-league deal. Tigers fans will remember Maeda was placed on waivers and later released after being DFA'd on May 1 following an atrocious start to the 2025 season.
Chicago must be desperate at this point. If they were in the market for ex-Tigers relievers who'll contribute absolutely nothing to the pitching staff, perhaps Phil Coke is still looking for work. Former Tigers reliever Brayan Villarreal is currently pitching for the Staten Island FerryHawks. Perhaps Chicago should give him a call too.
According to the report, Maeda had three other suitors, but decided to sign with the Cubs. He previously played with Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and is said to be friends with Chicago's star pitcher Shōta Imanaga — who's currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
Tigers bid farewell to failed pitcher Kenta Maeda as he becomes the Cubs' problem
After a forgettable first year in Detroit, Tigers fans were hoping to see Maeda turn a corner in 2025. That never materialized, however, and in seven appearances out of the Tigers' bullpen, the right-hander walked six batters while striking out eight and posted an alarming 7.88 ERA and 6.09 FIP over eight innings.
Maeda was a starter for Detroit at the beginning of last season and, after failing at that, was shifted into the Tigers' bullpen. His lame excuse for poor performances earlier this season were not well received by Tigers manager AJ Hinch, and no doubt contributed to his short leash. Maeda suggested that his meltdown in mid-April was he was due, in part, to adjusting to a new role — never mind the fact he spent 40-plus innings in the Tigers' pen in 2024 and knew he was going to be used as a reliever in 2025.
The excuses finally ran out, and Tigers rightfully showed him the door. He'll now head to Triple-A Iowa with his first scheduled appearance set for Saturday, May 17. It'll be curious to see how Chicago plans to use the 37-year-old, but regardless, Detroit can now put this painful $24 million memory in the rearview mirror.