The Chicago Cubs signed Kenta Maeda to a minor league contract, offering the 37-year-old right-hander a chance to regain form after struggling with a 7.88 ERA in seven relief appearances for Detroit. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted the importance of ongoing conversations about adjustments. Maeda, who previously excelled with the Dodgers and had a strong showing in 2020 with the Twins, is looking to improve after a season marred by injury. The Cubs, currently leading the NL Central, are managing injuries to key pitchers and left fielder Ian Happ, who is on the 10-day IL.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have struck a minor league contract with Kenta Maeda, offering the struggling right-hander another opportunity to reclaim his previous form.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed the agreement prior to Friday’s victory over the White Sox, which ended 13-3.
The 37-year-old Maeda recorded a 7.88 ERA in seven relief appearances for Detroit before being designated for assignment on May 1. He finished the previous year with the Tigers at 3-7, posting a 6.09 ERA over 17 starts and 12 relief outings after signing a $24 million, two-year deal in November 2023.
“I believe we need to have ongoing discussions with him, see if we can make some adjustments and assess where he currently stands,” Counsell stated.
Maeda made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, finishing with a 16-11 record and a 3.48 ERA across 32 starts. He was impressive during the 2020 season for Minnesota, going 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 11 starts and finishing as a runner-up for the AL Cy Young Award.
Having missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, Maeda has a career record of 68-56 with a 4.20 ERA over 226 major league games, including 172 starts.
The Cubs, currently leading the NL Central, are dealing with three key starting pitchers on the injured list. Shota Imanaga suffers from a mild left hamstring strain, while Javier Assad is dealing with an oblique injury. Justin Steele is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an elbow issue.
Imanaga sustained his injury during a 4-0 defeat at Milwaukee on May 4. Counsell mentioned that the team aims to get through this weekend before devising a plan for Imanaga’s return.
“For now, we’re continuing to have him throw,” Counsell noted. “He’s on a rotational cycle of high, medium, and low throwing days, maintaining daily activity.”
The Cubs are also without left fielder Ian Happ, who is on the 10-day IL due to a left oblique strain suffered during a swing last week.
“I think tomorrow will be a crucial day to evaluate Ian’s progress, as we must move forward toward hitting if we’re considering activating him by Tuesday,” Counsell commented.