Another day and another headache for the Tigers. This time, it’s Kenta Maeda making waves—but not in a good way. Once a pitching prodigy, Maeda stormed into the MLB after clinching the pitching Triple Crown in Japan. Fast forward to today, and his form is far from elite. The Tigers have questions, the fans have concerns, and their patience? It’s wearing thin.
The fans have given up on the $24 million Japanese pitcher, as they see Paul Goldschmidt, Austin Wells, and Trent Grisham smashing it all around the park while Maeda is not making any significant impact yet. The Yankees’ offense has totally derailed the Tigers’ train as Maeda’s poor pitching comes into the spotlight, ultimately leading to the Tigers’ loss in spring training to the Yankees. So, what lies ahead for Maeda?
Well, the Japanese Triple Crowner had a quiet 2024 regular season, as he went 3-7 with a 6.09 ERA, along with 112.1 IP, 96 SO, and 1.38 WHIP. Not only hasn’t he been in the best of form, but his lack of ability cost him a move to the bullpen by the Tigers. Similarly, Maeda started cold as well in the 2025 spring training, as he went 0-1, with a 3.12 ERA, 14 K, and 0.81 WHIP. On March 10, during the spring training game against the Yankees, Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham, and Austin Wells hit three home runs in the first inning against him. And that’s where it all started!
While the Bronx Bombers continued to crush the Detroit Tigers, highlighting the Tigers’ poor bet on Maeda, fans are on the verge of lambasting him. However, that nowhere means that Maeda’s time is over. While most of the fans have shared their views on his ability, praising the Yankees for their exemplary hitting ability, some of them have also come in support of Kenta Maeda. Their diverse reactions indicate their unwavering faith in him, considering that sometimes the comeback is stronger than the setback.
What do you think?
Fans share their unique reactions to the Japanese pitcher getting grilled by the Yankees’ offense
Let’s hear what the fans have to say. Based on the post shared by MLB on Instagram about the Yankees literally taking over the Tigers, one fan posted, “Maeda, though, doesn’t count.” While this response shows that the fan has given up on Maeda, it’s definitely not the right thing to do, given that it is a spring training game. He may soon make a comeback, given the impressive performances he had given earlier.
But it looks like Yankees’ fans do not think the same, as one of them makes a funny comment indicating how the Yankees are putting on a show against him. “More like gone in 2/30 parks, 1/30 parks, & 2/30 parks,” is what he said, taking a humorous dig at the Tigers. Echoing a similar statement, another Yankees fan has heaped praise on Trent Grisham while expecting some great hits, just like Juan Soto did when he was with the Yankees. The fan commented, “We want SOTO-type moments. Grisham is so back.” Juan Soto was one of the most prolific hitters for the Yankees, as he finished the season with a career-high 41 home runs, along with 109 RBIs and a .989 OPS. But that’s not all!
It seems like the New York Yankees’ fans are all over the place. As another user shared, “The sound off the Goldys bat.” And yes, it’s true, given that Paul Goldschmidt hit the solo home run on March 10. The sound of the bat was enough to judge how well it was played as it traveled a distance of 378 feet, that too at 103.3 mph exit velocity, reaching a height of 72 feet. That’s massive!
However, another user has instilled faith in Maeda, stating, “Maeda just needs to find consistency, and he will be solid.” Considering the reaction, Kenta Maeda might just need to look back at what went wrong, get things sorted out early during the spring training, and ensure the delivery of the best in the upcoming season.
Do you think Kenta Maeda can make it count this year? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Fans Give Up on $24M Japanese Triple Crowner After Yankees Offense Exposes Him appeared first on EssentiallySports.
