Fri May 02 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Tigers Release Veteran Pitcher Kenta Maeda After Disappointing Stint
**ANAHEIM, Calif. —** The Detroit Tigers have designated veteran pitcher Kenta Maeda for assignment, ending his two-year tenure with the team. The move comes after a string of inconsistent performances that saw Maeda struggle to replicate his past success.
Maeda, 37, signed a two-year, $24 million contract with Detroit in November 2023. However, he compiled a disappointing 6.21 ERA over 120⅓ innings in 36 appearances. This season alone, he allowed eight runs (seven earned) in just eight innings of relief work.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch expressed disappointment, stating that while Maeda had moments of brilliance, the team was ultimately unable to help him regain consistency. The decision, Hinch explained, also opens opportunities for younger pitchers within the organization.
Maeda, who previously enjoyed success with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins, had a stellar career before joining Detroit. He posted a 3.87 ERA in 137 regular season games with the Dodgers and even finished second in American League Cy Young voting in 2020 with the Twins. However, his performance declined in recent years, hampered by Tommy John surgery and persistent struggles to find his form.
The Tigers have seven days to trade Maeda, release him, or send him to the minor leagues. However, due to his service time, Maeda has the option to refuse a minor league assignment and become a free agent.
In a corresponding roster move, the Tigers called up 24-year-old right-handed reliever Tyler Owens from Triple-A Toledo. Owens, who throws a fastball in the 96-98 mph range, will fill Maeda’s spot on the major league roster.
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