Veteran Starter Receiving Strong Interest on Open Market From Two Specific Teams
According to reports, the Detroit Tigers are showing strong interest in veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda. Jon Heyman of the New York Post also reports that the Minnesota Twins are lurking with regards to Maeda, who most recently pitched for them.
Kenta Maeda is drawing interest from the Tigers and his old Twins. You can read Heyman's full notebook here.
It's understandable why both teams would be interested. First, Maeda is a quality veteran who is capable of providing stability and innings to a rotation. Second, he's likely not very expensive. The Tigers have expressed interest in several starters, but on short-term, less-expensive deals. The Twins are looking to reduce payroll reportedly and won't want to spend on the top free agent starters.
Maeda went 6-8 this season for Minnesota with a 4.23 ERA. He made 20 starts and threw 104.1 innings, striking out 117.
The seven-year Japanese hurler has pitched for the Dodgers and Twins in his career. He started with LA in 2016 and was traded to the Twins before the 2020 season. He's won double-digit games in three separate seasons and went 6-1 in the shortened 2020 COVID season.
He's been to the playoffs nearly every year of his career and could help either team with his leadership capabilities and playoff experience. The Twins went to the American League Division Series this season, with Maeda throwing four innings of relief.
The Tigers finished second to Minnesota in the American League Central and are looking to make another big jump in 2024.
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