The New York Yankees have signed veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda to a minor league deal following his release from the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate. At 37 years old, Maeda, who previously pitched for the Detroit Tigers, struggled with a 7.88 ERA in seven appearances before being designated for assignment. However, he showcased improved performance in his last two outings with Iowa, allowing just one run over 12 innings. Assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Maeda’s career has seen highs including a 3.48 ERA in his debut season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and a strong 2020 with the Minnesota Twins, where he finished second in AL Cy Young voting.

The New York Yankees have bolstered their starting pitching depth by signing Kenta Maeda to a minor-league contract. Maeda's recent struggles with the Detroit Tigers, where he posted a 7.86 ERA in just seven appearances, led to his designation for assignment. Prior to that, he had a rough stint with the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, Iowa, where he recorded a 6.12 ERA over 12 starts. The Yankees, who recently released Marcus Stroman after a disappointing performance, are looking to solidify their rotation amid mixed results from their current starters.

In their quest for stability, the Yankees’ rotation now includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Luis Gil, with rookie pitchers Will Warren and Cam Schlittler rounding out the back end. However, Gil's recent outing against the Miami Marlins raised concerns, prompting the Yankees to bring in Maeda as a potential insurance policy as Gil continues to recover from a lat strain. The team aims to prepare its pitchers effectively as they head towards the end of the season.

Kenta Maeda made a challenging return to the mound for the Iowa Cubs, allowing four runs in just two innings during his debut with the team after being signed from the Detroit Tigers. Facing the St. Paul Saints, Maeda struggled in the first inning, giving up an RBI double to Jose Miranda and a two-run double to Jair Camargo. Despite a smoother second inning, where he effectively managed a two-out double, his overall performance raised questions about his readiness for a return to the majors.

At 37, Maeda, a former Cy Young contender, is looking to prove he still has the capability to contribute significantly to the Cubs' pitching rotation. His recent inactivity since April 29 likely contributed to his rough outing, and with expectations set high, Cubs fans are keen to see if he can recapture his previous form with more experience in the minors.

Kenta Maeda, a veteran pitcher previously with the Detroit Tigers, has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs after being designated for assignment by the Tigers on May 1, 2025. Maeda's tenure in Detroit, under a two-year, $24 million deal, saw him struggle, finishing the 2024 season with a 6.09 ERA over 112⅓ innings. His move to the Cubs comes as the team looks for depth in its pitching staff, while the Tigers remain responsible for the final $10 million of Maeda's contract.

The Chicago Cubs have signed right-hander Kenta Maeda to a minor league contract, potentially revitalizing his career after disappointing stints with the Detroit Tigers. Manager Craig Counsell noted the need for ongoing adjustments with Maeda, who struggled with a 7.88 ERA in his last seven appearances for Detroit. With the Cubs leading the NL Central yet facing injury woes with key pitchers and left fielder Ian Happ on the injured list, this addition aims to bolster their pitching depth.

Maeda, a former Cy Young candidate and experienced MLB player, boasts a 4.20 ERA across 226 games. If he can regain his form, his transition to the Cubs could prove pivotal in their quest for postseason success.