Kenta

Maeda

The 36-year-old right-hander was moved to the bullpen in early July and spent the rest of the year functioning mainly in a bulk innings role. Maeda ultimately registered a troublesome 6.09 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and a 96/31 K/BB ratio over 112 1/3 innings in 29 appearances (17 starts) on the season. While the Tigers would like him to win a job, poor performance during the spring or in April could lead to another quick hook or ultimately his removal from the roster altogether.

The team has allegedly laid out some changes they would like Maeda to make in the offseason, presumably to help ensure better arm health, and that could give him a better chance of providing value to the team in 2025. The Tigers have plenty of options for the starting rotation next year with Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Keider Montero, and Jackson Jobe. It appears that Maeda will at least have a chance to claim one of those spots with a good spring training.

Maeda came into the day with a solid 3.86 ERA and a 41/7 K/BB in 42 innings as a reliever, but based on the fact that he was allowed to throw 89 pitches, we’re assuming he won’t be on the Wild Card roster. He closes out his first year with the Tigers at 3-7 with a 6.09 ERA. He’s due to return to finish out a two-year, $24 million deal next year.

The 36-year-old right-hander struck out five batters on the night while issuing a pair of free passes. The only damage done against him came in the sixth inning as Logan O’Hoppe reached on a throwing error by Trey Sweeney and Mickey Moniak followed with a two-out, two-run blast. Maeda got nine whiffs on 81 pitches on the night — six of those on his splitter — while posting a CSW of 26 percent. He’ll attempt to further improve upon his 6.14 ERA and 1.43 WHIP when he takes the hill against the Padres in San Diego on Monday.

Maeda had pitched well in his bulk role prior to this one. “Well” would not be the descriptor for this outing. Things did settle down for him after the second inning, but that second frame saw him give up a grand slam, so damage done; plus another two runs for measure. Maeda now has a 6.42 ERA on the season.

Maeda came in after Beau Brieske gave up a run as the opener in the first inning. The right-hander gave up just one hit and struck out five against the anemic Seattle offense. Maeda has looked good in this role, and he’ll likely pitch in a similar capacity next weekend against the Cubs.

Maeda worked behind Beau Brieske after Brieske opened with three scoreless. The right-hander kept the Giants off the board for his first three innings as well before giving up sac flies in the seventh and eight, respectively. He didn’t walk anyone, allowed four hits and threw 46-of-72 pitches for strikes. He’ll likely pitch in a bulk role again next week.

The Tigers used a bullpen game on Sunday with Maeda not coming into the game until the third inning. The veteran was solid, striking out four and walking none while inducing 12 whiffs on 50 swings for a 24 percent whiff rate and 23 percent CSW. This certainly doesn’t erase the poor performances up until today and doesn’t put him back on the fantasy radar, but it’s nice to see.

Brieske has the ability to work multiple innings, but won’t be able to go the necessary five to qualify for a victory even if he does leave with a lead. The 26-year-old right-hander will go a few frames, and it won’t be a surprise if Kenta Maeda received the bulk of the work against his former team.

Maeda has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. He’s the only starting pitcher in baseball who has made at least 15 starts and has an ERA over 6.00. For now, it appears the Tigers will stick with Keider Montero in the starting rotation, but it could open the door for Matt Manning in the second half if he can clean up his mechanics in Triple-A.