Kenta Maeda has been labeled as a pitching journeyman since making his major league debut in 2016 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Since then, the 37-year-old pitcher has converted from a starter to a relief man through his MLB experience with the Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers.
His play started to slump in 2025, and the Tigers decided to cut the right-handed pitcher from their roster back in May.
Maeda would then go on to sign with the Chicago Cubs on a minor league deal. This stint didn't last long, and Kenta Maeda has now agreed to a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.
Maeda hasn't seen the major league mound since earlier this season with the Tigers, but he struggled to put together consistent pitching. In seven appearances with Detroit, his last being on April 29, Maeda finished with a 7.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, and eight strikeouts in eight innings pitched.
It seems that the former Cy Young Award runner-up's best days are behind him, but the Yankees will see if he can produce in the minor leagues. His experience in the postseason could be a possible clause behind the deal.
Since the end of May, the Yankees have found themselves in a disappointing slide. After starting with a promising lead in the AL East, they have a record of 18-27 over their last 45 games. The Toronto Blue Jays have taken over the division lead, with New York now sitting in third place in the division.
They have a half-game lead in the AL Wild Card race, but at their current pace, things aren't looking too hot in the Bronx.