NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have turned to veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda in hopes of patching up a rotation riddled with inconsistency and injuries.
Maeda, 36, signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees on Sunday and is expected to report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the club confirmed. The former Japanese star last pitched for the Detroit Tigers, posting a rough 7.88 ERA across 10 starts before being released in late July.
The move comes just days after the Yankees released Marcus Stroman, who had logged a 6.23 ERA in 12 outings and never looked right after an early-season hip injury. With Gerrit Cole out for the year, Luis Gil struggling, and the back end of the rotation unraveling, Maeda’s signing is the latest in a string of desperation plays by the front office.
Veteran arm brought in amid rotation crisis
Maeda joins a Yankees organization still searching for starting pitching depth as August begins. The team recently traded for Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber and acquired Ryan Yarbrough from the Dodgers. But with both still working through rehab and the Yankees clinging to a Wild Card spot, the need for a healthy and experienced arm grew urgent.
“Kenta’s got a strong track record,” said a team source, speaking to NJ.com. “He’s had success in the league and can still give you innings. That’s what we’re banking on.”
Maeda spent seven years in the majors with the Dodgers, Twins and Tigers, amassing a 65-50 record with a 4.17 ERA. He finished runner-up for the AL Cy Young in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, but his effectiveness has waned in recent years due to age and injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2021.
Still, the Yankees are hoping he can offer some veteran presence in a rotation full of question marks.
Marcus Stroman exit creates opening
Maeda’s arrival comes just 48 hours after the Yankees officially released Stroman, whom they signed in the offseason to a two-year, $37 million deal. Stroman missed nearly three months with hip inflammation and looked like a shell of himself in his return. His final outing — a 3.1-inning, seven-run meltdown against Miami — sealed his fate.
“Marcus wasn’t healthy and it showed,” said a Yankees insider, per the New York Post. “He never looked right and didn’t have the same edge.”
By releasing Stroman, the Yankees ate more than $10 million in salary, signaling a shift in their approach. With the playoff picture tightening and Aaron Boone under pressure, the front office has little patience left for struggling veterans.
Maeda’s value lies in experience and command
While Maeda’s 2025 numbers in Detroit are alarming, his control metrics remain steady. He walked just 2.5 batters per nine innings, and his velocity hovered near his career norms. What hurt him most was hard contact — opposing hitters batted .348 against him with 10 home runs allowed in 40 innings.
Still, the Yankees believe they can tap into something. Maeda has a history of being adaptable and was once praised for his pitch sequencing and mound composure.
“He’s had success at every level,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone when asked about the signing. “We’ll see where it goes.”
The plan is for Maeda to stretch out as a starter in Scranton. If needed, he could be called up quickly to serve as a bulk reliever or spot starter, depending on the status of Will Warren, Clarke Schmidt, or Carlos Rodón.
Yankees continue to search for answers
The Yankees’ rotation issues have defined their season. Cole’s absence after elbow surgery left a massive void, and while Gil looked like an All-Star early on, his command has recently faltered. Schmidt has been up and down. Rodón has battled consistency. Rookie Cam Schlittler remains on the IL.
With just under two months to go, the Yankees have little time left to stabilize things. They’re betting on arms like Maeda to provide innings while hoping for a spark from younger options.
New York enters the week 62-52, trailing in the AL East and clinging to a narrow Wild Card lead. Their once-vaunted pitching staff now ranks 10th in the American League in ERA since July 1.
A low-risk deal with potential upside
Financially, the Maeda signing is minimal. The minor league deal allows the Yankees flexibility while keeping a veteran option close by. If he performs well in Triple-A, he could quickly join the roster in August or early September.
The Yankees’ decision to take a chance on Maeda reflects the desperation of a team that can’t afford any more rotation setbacks.
It’s a low-risk move, but the results will have to come fast.
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