Exciting News: Cubs Secure Kenta Maeda with Minor League Contract!

The Cubs have signed veteran pitcher Kenta Maeda to a minor league contract after his recent release from the Tigers. Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed this news, emphasizing the need for consistent communication to help Maeda bounce back.

At 37, Maeda has had a mixed career. He started strong with the Dodgers, sporting a 3.87 ERA over 589 innings from 2016 to 2019. He was traded to the Twins just before the 2020 season, where he shone with a 2.70 ERA in 2020 but faced challenges afterward. A Tommy John surgery in 2021 sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, but he returned in 2023 showing flashes of his old form.

Despite a rocky start at the Tigers in 2024, Maeda found some success as a long reliever, achieving a 3.86 ERA in that role. However, overall, his season ended poorly with a 6.09 ERA. In spring training for 2025, Maeda’s performance fluctuated but raised some cautious hope for his recovery.

As the Cubs deal with injuries in their pitching rotation, Maeda could become a valuable addition. Star pitcher Justin Steele is out for the season following surgery, and other key players are also sidelined. This makes Maeda’s experience potentially beneficial.

While it’s uncertain if Maeda will return to his prior form, the Cubs are taking a chance on a seasoned player. With the Tigers still paying a portion of his salary, it seems like a low-risk move worth exploring. Maeda could soon be seen at Triple-A as he aims to find his rhythm again.



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