Report: Kenta Maeda to the Tigers for $24 million
The Twins aren't done with Kenta Maeda just yet. The veteran right-hander, who became a free agent after the Phillies won the World Series, has signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Maeda spent the past four seasons with the Twins, finishing second in the AL Cy Young vote in the Covid-shortened 2020 season and then missing the 2021 and 2022 seasons with injuries.
The 35-year-old returned this past season and made 20 starts, posting a 4.23 ERA while striking out 117 batters in 104.1 innings.
Maeda isn't the only 2023 Twins starter expected to sign elsewhere. Sonny Gray, who finished runner-up to Gerrit Cole in the Cy Young vote, declined his $20 million option to stay with the Twins and is now being pursued as a free agent.
Minnesota's 2024 starting rotation is currently set to feature Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Chris Paddack.
