Kenta Maeda is getting another shot.
The 37-year-old right-hander has agreed to a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, continuing what’s become a winding MLB journey. Once a Cy Young Award runner-up, Maeda most recently pitched for the Detroit Tigers before being released in May. He briefly joined the Chicago Cubs on a minor league deal, but didn’t stick with the organization.
Now, the Yankees are taking a flier on the veteran, hoping he can find some form in the minors and potentially provide depth down the stretch.
Maeda hasn’t pitched in the majors since April 29th. He made seven appearances for Detroit in 2025, struggling to a 7.88 ERA and 1.88 WHIP with just eight strikeouts in eight innings. Once known for his command and playoff poise, Maeda’s recent decline has raised questions about how much he has left in the tank.
Still, New York might value his experience, especially with their pitching depth being tested amid a second-half slide. Since the end of May, the Yankees have gone 18-28, falling from first place in the AL East to third. They’re now tied with the Seattle Mariners for the second AL Wild Card spot, with the Texas Rangers (59-55) close behind and the Red Sox currently holding the top Wild Card slot.
With postseason hopes still alive, the Yankees are hoping a familiar veteran arm might give them a late-season edge.