Overview
- Appearing on TV Tokyo, the 37-year-old right-hander announced he will end his North American career after this season and seek an NPB deal for 2026.
- He said the decision was set when he agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with the Tigers, not driven by recent performance.
- Maeda noted his family remained in Japan this year while he bounced between organizations, reinforcing his plan to return home.
- After Detroit released him in early May, he signed minor-league deals with the Cubs and then the Yankees, posting a 6.25 ERA over 76 1/3 Triple-A innings in 2025.
- If his MLB tenure closes this year, his record stands at 226 games (172 starts) with a 4.20 ERA in the regular season and a 3.24 ERA across 41 2/3 postseason innings.