Detroit, Mich. — The Tigers have designated right-hander Kenta Maeda for assignment, making a significant move after a disappointing start to the 2024 season. In a corresponding action, the team has recalled right-hander Tyler Owens to fill Maeda’s spot on the roster.
Maeda joined the Tigers at the onset of this season under a two-year, $24 million contract signed in November 2023. Initially, the decision seemed strategic, but the performance that followed has led to heightened scrutiny over the investment. In Maeda’s previous seasons, his stats raised concerns, showing a 4.66 ERA with the Minnesota Twins in 2021 and an extended recovery period due to UCL surgery in 2022. Upon his return in 2023, he delivered a modest 4.23 ERA over 104 1/3 innings.
Despite the shaky start to his 2023 campaign, where he posted a 9.00 ERA before being placed on the injured list with a triceps strain, Maeda’s performance appeared to improve upon his return. After the injury, he posted a commendable 3.36 ERA over 88 1/3 innings with a strikeout rate of 29 percent. However, that momentum did not carry into the current season.
In his first 16 starts of 2024, Maeda struggled, recording a 7.26 ERA, alongside an alarming drop in strikeouts to just 17.1 percent. The Tigers opted to transition him to the bullpen, where he later recorded a 4.44 ERA while showing slight improvements with a strikeout rate of 23.8 percent over 46 2/3 innings.
Team president of baseball operations Scott Harris had indicated that Maeda would have a chance to earn a spot in the starting rotation for 2025. However, the plan shifted as the Tigers favored a rotation that includes Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, relegating Maeda back to a long relief role.
This year, Maeda’s struggles have continued, highlighted by a troubling 7.88 ERA. Factors such as a low 60.2 percent strand rate and an increase in walks to 14 percent of batters faced have plagued his performance. Manager A.J. Hinch has shown hesitance in utilizing him in high-leverage situations, resulting in limited appearances—only six in April and long gaps between games.
Given the significant contract and deteriorating production, the Tigers chose to cut ties. Maeda now faces the possibility of entering free agency, especially since any team willing to sign him would only owe him the prorated minimum salary, with Detroit responsible for the remainder of his contract. This potential for a financial win could attract other teams, particularly as injuries mount across the league.
Owens, 24, is set to make his major league debut after a promising stint in the minors. Acquired through a series of trades after being drafted by Atlanta, he displayed solid performance in Double-A last year with a 2.96 ERA. Although his numbers have not matched those in Triple-A Toledo thus far, he is still viewed as a player with potential amidst the Tigers’ evolving roster.
Ultimately, the Tigers are in a position where releasing Maeda may be the best course, allowing for a fresh start as they seek to navigate a challenging season.