Late Thursday night, reports surfaced that the Chicago Cubs were adding to their pitching arsenal this season ahead of their three-game matchup this weekend against their crosstown rival, the Chicago White Sox, at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs signed right-handed veteran Kenta Maeda on a minor league contract. At 37, Maeda has a decorated career in the MLB and Japan. He earned All-MLB Second Team honors in 2020.
However, the 37-year-old has not been the same in recent seasons. He posted a 6.09 ERA in 2024, the worst of his MLB career. He’s off to a worse start in 2025, earning a 7.88 ERA in seven appearances to begin this season with the Detroit Tigers in eight total innings pitched.
Maeda’s troubles in recent seasons caught a considerable collective groan on social media, with many calling him washed.
Chicago Cubs don’t appear confident in Kenta Maeda
On Friday, Craig Counsell confirmed to reporters in his pregame press conference that Chicago indeed is taking a chance on Maeda. Counsell didn’t appear to be confident in his new pitcher’s abilities.
“He has had success. He’s struggled. … It’s a player you’ve got to have constant conversations with and see where we can make some adjustments and see where he’s at,” Counsell said via Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Craig Counsell confirmed the Cubs are signing Kenta Maeda to a minor league deal.
“He has had success. He’s struggled. … It’s a player you’ve got to have constant conversations with and see where we can make some adjustments and see where he’s at.” @suntimes_sports
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) May 16, 2025
Good thing for the Cubs’ sake that this is a minor league deal, which means low stakes for Chicago. One would assume this signing has no bearing on the Cubs seeking long-term solutions for the starting rotation or bullpen.
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