Tigers Cut $24 Million Pitcher Kenta Maeda — What Went So Wrong?

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DETROIT — In a move that’s shocking fans and analysts alike, the Detroit Tigers have officially designated veteran pitcher Kenta Maeda for assignment, cutting ties with the $24 million arm less than halfway through his contract.

The news broke Thursday, sending ripples across the baseball world. Once seen as a stabilizing veteran presence for a young rotation, Maeda’s tenure in Detroit has come to a sudden, dramatic end — and it raises serious questions about the Tigers’ front-office strategy.

📉 From Hope to Headache

Signed to a 2-year, $24 million deal in late 2023, Maeda was expected to bring leadership, postseason experience, and consistency to the mound. But after just seven appearances this season, his ERA ballooned to a brutal 7.88, with declining velocity and control issues that left fans frustrated.

This wasn’t just a rough stretch — it was a collapse.

🔁 Tigers Move On — A New Arm Steps In

In a corresponding roster move, the Tigers have promoted Tyler Owens, a promising right-hander acquired from the Rangers in 2024. The 25-year-old had a 4.50 ERA in Triple-A but brings energy and upside — something Detroit’s bullpen desperately needs during a brutal 6-week grind with few rest days.

❓What’s Next for Maeda?

At 37, Maeda’s future in MLB is in doubt. After struggling in both 2024 and 2025, will any team take a flier on the former Dodgers and Twins star?

His fall from grace is a reminder that even the most experienced arms can fizzle fast — and that baseball, at its core, is an unforgiving game.

🧠 Final Thought

Detroit took a calculated gamble on Maeda — and lost. Now, all eyes are on what they’ll do next, and whether Tyler Owens can help steady the ship before the season slips away.