The Detroit Tigers are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of veteran right-handed pitcher Kenta Maeda, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Recent developments indicate a heightened focus on Maeda, building upon earlier reports that the Tigers hold “serious interest” in acquiring him during this MLB offseason.
Maeda, currently 35 years old, garnered attention as a Cy Young finalist for the Minnesota Twins in the abbreviated 2020 season, posting a notable 6-1 record with a 2.70 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 11 starts. In the subsequent season with the Twins, Maeda recorded a 6-8 record, a 4.23 ERA, and 117 strikeouts in 20 starts.
However, Maeda’s extensive experience includes nearly a decade of pitching in Japan before making his MLB debut in 2016. Additionally, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021. Despite these factors, Maeda maintains a reputation for possessing effective swing-and-miss abilities and the capacity to log innings as a dependable mid-rotation starter.
The Tigers, who traded away some pitching talent at the last season’s trade deadline, could benefit from Maeda’s skills as they aim to bolster their pitching rotation. The heightened pursuit of Maeda suggests that the Tigers view him as a valuable addition to their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
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