Kenta Maeda moves to Tigers' bullpen for 2025 season

Kenta Maeda will start the 2025 baseball season in the Detroit Tigers' bullpen. This decision was announced by manager A.J. Hinch on Friday. It indicates that Casey Mize will likely take a spot in the starting rotation. Maeda joined the Tigers with a two-year $24 million contract before the 2024 season. He began that year as a starter but struggled with consistency. Last July, he was moved to the bullpen, where he found more success. There, he had a 3.86 ERA in 12 outings and struck out 41 batters across 42 innings. In the offseason, Maeda changed his training routine, starting earlier and focusing on improving his performance. He came to spring training ready, completing eight bullpen sessions before arriving. His mindset was also different; he aimed to secure a spot rather than just prepare. Despite a solid spring performance, which included 19 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings, Maeda could not outperform Mize, who had an impressive spring training. Now, only one spot remains in the bullpen, likely between Andrew Chafin, Brant Hurter, or Brenan Hanifee. Chafin and Hurter are both left-handed pitchers, while Tyler Holton is the only lefty currently in the bullpen. The Tigers will start their season on March 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.